Has Social Security gone paperless?

Asked by: Isabel Roberts  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)

In today's digital world, many people prefer to conduct business online. Due to customer demand, we're making more notices and other communications available through your personal my Social Security account. Besides being more convenient, the online, paperless option has other advantages.

Does Social Security still send paper statements?

If you have not created a personal my Social Security account and do not receive Social Security benefits, we will mail a paper Statement to you 3 months before your 60th birthday. If you don't want to wait for your scheduled mailing you can request your Statement by following these instructions.

What are the new Social Security updates for 2024?

Over the last decade the increase in the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has averaged about 2.6%. The COLA was 3.2% in 2024. Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% COLA beginning in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024.

When did Social Security stop mailing statements?

After ceasing automatic mailings in March 2011, SSA resumed mailings in September of 2014, with two important changes. First, individuals with my Social Security accounts would receive reminder emails once a year to view their Statement online in place of a paper Statement in the mail.

How do you get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Paperless Social Security checks

23 related questions found

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify to get $144 added back to your Social Security check, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction or giveback benefit.

Why do I not get Social Security statements anymore?

Although you don't find out the final amounts until you apply for benefits, you need to have an idea of how much you'll get from Social Security. In a cost-saving move, the agency stopped sending out the annual paper statements in 2011.

When did Social Security stop paper checks?

The U.S. Department of Treasury began phasing that payment method out in 2011. Effective March 1, 2013, any new applications for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits must include sign-up for electronic payments to a bank, credit union or a savings and loan account.

Should I keep old Social Security statements?

To be on the safe side, McBride says to keep all tax records for at least seven years. Keep forever. Records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and military discharge papers should be kept indefinitely.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

Generally, the maximum Federal SSI benefit amount changes yearly. SSI benefits increased in 2024 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023. Effective January 1, 2024 the Federal benefit rate is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

Does Social Security still mail out annual statements?

For workers age 60 and older who do not have a my Social Security account, we currently mail Social Security Statements three months prior to your birthday.

Can you go paperless with Social Security?

Select the “Preferences” tab on your my Social Security account home page. Under the “Communication Preference” section, select “Do not send a paper copy.” Read and agree to the authorization notice to stop sending paper copies of notices available online.

Are paper checks going away?

But contrary to a 2023 Washington Post report, checks aren't entirely dead. While the volume of checks written each year has fallen from 50 billion in 1995, it was still at 11.2 billion in 2021.

Are Social Security checks ending?

Introduction. As a result of changes to Social Security enacted in 1983, benefits are now expected to be payable in full on a timely basis until 2037, when the trust fund reserves are projected to become exhausted.

Is it better to collect Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

Are Social Security statements now online?

NOTE: You can receive an immediate Social Security Statement online by using a free my Social Security account. Log in or sign up today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Can you get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

For example, if you get $36,000 a year ($3,000 a month) from Social Security and have no other income, your combined income is $36,000 divided by 2, or $18,000. None of your benefits are taxable if your income is below $25,000 for a single filer or $32,000 for joint filers.

How to get $800 back from Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part A and Part B know they can get up to $800 back

All the member has to do is provide proof that they pay Medicare Part B premiums. Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement.

What is the Social Security 10 year rule?

If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62. • We base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings.