Social Security payments will look different for some in Texas in June 2026, as the agency transitions to a fully electronic system. (Michael Vi/Getty Images/Courtesy of Michael Vi/Getty Images)
A major change is being made to how Social Security issues payments to its beneficiaries. The agency announced the switch-up in a statement in June 2026, as those in Texas and beyond prepare to receive their funds.
Social Security electronic benefits update
This year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will fully transition to electronic payments. It is doing this “to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security in federal payments,” the SSA wrote in a Tuesday, June 2 letter.
It comes after federal law and Executive Order 14247 were approved in September 2025, which required that all federal benefits be paid via the web. It can be confusing for some who are used to receiving checks in the mail. However, there are numerous pros to the method.
First, folks will likely get their money faster, the SSA states. Residents can expect their awards to be on time each month. Next, it saves resources for the federal government. Per the Department of the Treasury, the average price to print a check has increased to over $3, which is roughly 20 times more than it costs to use automated payments. Lastly, the agency deems it safer, as checks can sometimes be lost in the mail, resulting in a higher risk of identity theft, monetary loss, or fraud.
“We also recognize that some beneficiaries may not be able to make this transition,” the SSA wrote in a statement. “If you need an exception because of challenges, such as mental health concerns or you live in a remote location without access to financial institutions, you can request a waiver through the U.S. Treasury.”
To fill out the waiver request form, visit the Bureau of Fiscal Service website.
Social Security benefits
Texans should switch their account to electronic payments as soon as possible, the SSA warns. To do this, users should take the following steps
Create or sign in to their personal my Social Security account.
Add their bank account information to receive their funds via direct deposit.
Another option is for beneficiaries to ask their financial institution to send their direct deposit information to Social Security electronically.
How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?
It depends on one’s earnings history, as well as the age and year they retire, per the SSA. For example, if a person earned the taxable maximum of each year beginning at age 22 and started receiving benefits in 2026, their benefit would be about $2,969 if they retire at 62-years-old, the agency says.
This year, the most someone can earn is $5,181 per month.
