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I recently got approved for social security benefits at the late age of almost 72. I do not have a bank account so I signed up for the debit card to be sent to me with the large amount owed me and then to use for an ongoing monthly deposit. That was perfect except the Social Security office sent me a check for the back amount and I can't cash it. I went to the local Social Security office and they suggested going to a check cashing place but that would be not a good idea as it's a large amount of money and I wouldn't feel comfortable carrying that around nor paying the percent that you have to pay. Frankly, I don't feel like I should have to do anything because they suggested I get the debit card and sent me a check instead. They also included the debit card that will presumably receive the funds I'm due monthly. The local office said give us back to check and then maybe a couple months we can put the money on the debit card. That seems rather unfair but also I have no idea how long it will take I've heard horror stories about how long it takes the Social Security Administration to do anything outside of their normal course of activities. Has anyone experienced this or have any ideas on how I can get these funds out of this check? Or what I should do at this point?

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Here is an explanation of who doesn’t have a bank account, why, and what they can do about it.

https://www.bankrate.com/banking/reasons-to-be-unbanked-or-underbanked/#reasons-why-people-are-unbanked-or-underbanked

I agree that the work arounds have their own risks and will grow more awkward over time.

I will add a warning not related to the actual question. As far as I know, SS retirement benefits only pay arrears of up to 6 months, unlike SS disability. Hopefully, the original poster qualified for an exception that I don’t know about, but everyone should really apply within 6 months of reaching their latest SS age of 70.
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Reply to Frebrowser
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You’re computer literate enough to post here but too suspicious to have a bank account? Get a checking account, have the money automatically deposited and thus insured far better than a debit card, and problem solved
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Open a checking account, then you can deposit the check and get a debit card to use.

Really don't understand why you do not have one already, that is how ppl doe business today.
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Reply to MeDolly
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The govt is giving you a very large sum of money and you're complaining about the "unfairness" of getting a check, when in reality, it's unsafe to have a debit card with large sums of money on it. Who refuses to open a bank account in this day and age???? I'd say, open a bank account, deposit the check, and have the monthly SS checks het deposited there too, and be done with the headache you're creating for yourself. You came here for advice, that's, my advice. Otherwise your next post may be about how you had your debit card ripped off, which is generally not replaceable funds.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Speak with the branch manager and discuss your situation . You have to have a bank account In order to have a debit card .
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Reply to KNance72
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Depending on where you are located, and how large the check is, some banks will be able to cash the check based on their internal guidelines (ID, amount, fees, etc.). I would call around to different banks or credit unions and inquire if they offer this before going to a check cashing business that will have a higher fee. Also, make sure you ask what they require if they are able to help before going into a branch.
I would also take the information you receive over the phone with a grain of salt until you walk into a bank with the check and ID in hand. They can promise the world, but until they (a bank) has everything in hand, it's not a guarantee. Best of luck!
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Reply to SDlocal84
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Most banks have free checking accounts - especially for seniors. I agree with others, I would open a new checking account and deposit that check directly into it upon opening. They will give you a debit card that you can use. And then you could also have SS directly deposited there as well. Or you could also open a savings account and put some there for overdraft protection.
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Reply to BlueEyedGirl94
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Personally I would open a bank account with that money and put it in a nice CD earning close to 5% as I could get. Let that money MAKE money for you.

I am 82 and here to tell you that it's really difficult to live in the 21st century and try to maintain a 19th century lifestyle. You ARE on the computer, so you've dipped your toe in at least. Why not try for a full foot and get a checking account. Debit cards are VERY open to fraud, even if you're only buying gas, so they are dangerous to carry about as well.

There is in fact nothing that doesn't carry a certain amount of risk in life. Even crossing the street. So come on in; the water's fine.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Get a bank account. If you want you can close it after you cash the check or spend the lump sum.
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Reply to MG8522
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Not to be rude or nosy, but why in heck don't you just open a bank account? You don't need to use checks if you prefer not to, but it would be a much safer way to have your SS payments deposited. You could spend money from the account by using a bank debit card--either by paying with the debit card or using it to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. You could open the account using this initial check from social security. If getting to a bank is the problem, you'd only have to do it this one time to open the account and deposit the check, and thereafter the SS payment would be direct deposited each month and you could use a debit card.
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Reply to newbiewife
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