Despite what tv news outlets might blast all day long, the average US citizen doesn’t build their weekly schedule around what the Government is up to. However, we might have to change up our routines a little bit in Tennessee if we want to keep on receiving our Social Security benefits as usual. Starting in 2026, the SSA is going to change the way they issue monthly payments to all their beneficiaries. So stay tuned, because we are going to have to update the way we receive or hard-earned pensions.
How to keep on receiving your Social Security benefits in 2026
Here are five quick steps to make sure you get your money on time and without any hassle:
- Switch to electronic payments: If you don’t have it yet, set up Direct Deposit with your bank or sign up for the Direct Express card. This is the best way to make sure your money doesn’t get delayed or lost in the mail.
- Check your account online: Log in to your “my Social Security” account. This is the fastest way to see exactly how much money you will get next year.
- Stop the paper checks: If you are still getting a check in the mail, you need to call 1-877-874-6347. They will help you switch to electronic payments so you don’t miss a payday.
- Thinking about retiring? If you plan to start your benefits in 2026, use the calculators on the SSA website. They will show you how much your monthly payment changes depending on the age you decide to retire.
- Still working? Keep an eye out for the new tax limits in October. This will help you figure out how much tax will come out of your paycheck next year.
Will they change the retirement age—again—in 2026?
The answer is no, assuming the laws stay as they are. Fingers crossed, the government won’t push for a delayed retirement age until the Social Security fund is running a bit dryer—circa 2030 say some predictions. Right now, if you were born in 1960 or later, you have to wait until 67 to get your complete benefit amount. You still have the option to start collecting at 62 with smaller checks, or you can hold off until 70 to get bigger payments.
To give you an idea using 2025 numbers, the SSA shows that a top earner starting at 62 would receive $2,831 a month, while waiting for full retirement age brings that up to $4,018, and holding out until 70 raises it to $5,108. While it seems like a substantial pension, in real life it’s very hard to contribute to the max nonstop during 35 working years.
FAQs
Is the Social Security retirement age increasing in 2026?
For now, the full retirement age will be 67 years-old for anyone born in 1960 (or later).
“I don’t personally trust online banking, can I still get a paper check?”
In order to keep receiving your SS benefits in paper form, you must have been born May 1, 1921; have an impairment that prevents you from using cards, or live in a remote area where there are insufficient banking branches.
How do I apply for a waiver to keep getting paper checks?
You must contact the U.S. Treasury at 1-877-874-6347 and request FS Form 1201W. If you don’t file this form, your checks will eventually stop arriving by mail.
What happens if I don’t switch to digital payments and don’t qualify for a waiver?
You have to switch to eaither Direct Deposit or the Direct Express debit card. If you ignore the mandate and do not secure a waiver, you risk having your benefit payments delayed or interrupted until you do comply with federal requirements. And nobody wants that, right?