Beginning September 30th, the Social Security Administration will stop issuing paper checks to Social Security beneficiaries and transition to electronic payments, such as direct deposits or prepaid cards. However, some exceptions may apply.
Paper checks may be permitted for recipients who have a mental disability or other serious difficulty receiving electronic payments, live in remote areas without adequate electronic financial infrastructure, or are 90 years of age or older.
Exceptions are approved only in “very rare” cases, and to apply for an exception, you must call the Treasury Department’s waiver line at 1-855-290-1545 to request an application. For direct deposit, if you have a bank account in Korea, complete Form SSA-1199-OP39 and submit your account information. Your payment will be automatically converted to Korean Won and deposited.
For debit cards, also known as Direct Express, if you don’t have a bank account, you can apply for a debit card, which can be used domestically and internationally. The Social Security Administration provides official guidance materials.
For changes, applications, and exception requests, you must contact the Social Security Administration or the Treasury Department. Exception requests may be considered under extenuating circumstances.
While English documentation may be required, Korean guidance materials and interpretation services are available.