A Massive Update Is Changing How Millions of People Receive Their Social Security Benefits
Millions of people rely on Social Security benefits each year. And while people collect for a variety of reasons, many retirees use this monthly stipendto bridge the gap in retirement.
Now, the Social Security Administration (SSA) seems poised to make a change that could affect 3.6 million recipients, changing how they receive their monthly stipend. Keep reading to find out if you are one of the many people impacted by this change, and when it's set to roll out.
The SSA Is Issuing Debit Cards to Some Social Security Recipients
According to The Motley Fool, the SSA will be switching from Comerica Bank to Fifth Third Bank, replacing older Comerica-issued cards with new Fifth Third Bank debit cards for recipients who receive their benefits on a prepaid Direct Express Debit Mastercard.
Again, this only impacts Social Security recipients who currently receive their benefits on the Direct Express Debit Mastercard, as no changes were announced to any of the other delivery methods.
The news is important to stay on top of, though, because those who receive their benefits this way tend to be more vulnerable, according to the publication. That's because these people are less likely to have traditional bank accounts, so this card serves as a lifeline for their finances.
Related: Trump Claims His Administration Can Save Social Security Thanks to a Surprising Reason
When Does the New Program Roll Out
The swap is set to begin at the end of May, according to Newsweek, and the new cards should start hitting mailboxes this summer, with the potential for the rollout to continue into the new year. "Beneficiaries will receive advance notice of the transition of their accounts and should continue to use their Comerica-issued cards following the transition until the card expires," a statement on the SSA website read. "It is important for beneficiaries to keep their contact information up to date to ensure they receive all communications."
Fortunately, it sounds like this change will be automatic, and recipients won't need to take any additional action to receive their cards. However, those with any questions about this update are being advised to visit the Direct Express "Contact Us" page by the administration.
Payments Shouldn't be Interrupted During the Changeover
While Newsweek says there has been no indication that benefits will be interrupted during the switch, the publication did advise Social Security recipients to stay informed of any potential updates from the SSA, as the administration will likely alert recipients if there are disruptions.
As always, those with questions about their benefits should contact the SSA directly. However, remember to be patient when calling, as people have reported longer wait times since the Trump administration reduced its front-line staffing levels. Additionally, not all offices are open to in-person visits, so it's important to check the Closures or Delays Affecting In-Person Service section of the SSA's website to verify whether your local office is open to visitors or if you'll need to make a virtual appointment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:06 PM.