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Social Security is Paperless

Last update on: Mar 16 2020

Social Security officially went almost 100% paperless early in 2013. Paper benefit checks no longer are issued. If you don’t schedule electronic deposit into a financial account, Social Security will send you a payment card or debit card.

Also, estimated benefit statements no longer are mailed. The statements were mailed to everyone age 25 and over beginning in 1999. Now, to see your estimated benefits or to check your earnings history’s accuracy, you need to set up an account at the My Social Security section of www.SocialSecurity.gov.

The sign up is supposed to be easy, and it is for most people. But if you have a credit freeze on your credit report or use some other credit protection services, it might not be easy for you to create an account. You’ll need to either lift the credit protection to create the account or go to a local Social Security office for instructions.

You also can go online to apply for benefits and receive estimates of your benefits under different scenarios. The online benefit estimate calculators are greatly improved, because when you open an account on the web site your actual earnings history is used.

The new online system also is a benefit for those receiving benefits who need verification of their income for credit applications or other purposes. Through the online account you can receive an instant and official verification letter of benefits or other information.

You also can change personal information, such as your address or direct deposit information.

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