Democrats' Claim About Social Security Checks and the USPS

Strategic Insights -

Facts about the claim have been raised by the Democrats. They have stated that Americans, including seniors, rely on the US Postal Service (USPS) to receive their Social Security checks. This claim has been contested by some prominent Republicans, who argue that Social Security has stopped mailing out paper checks since 2013. However, a closer examination of the data reveals that while 99.1% of Social Security recipients now receive their money via direct deposit, approximately 549,818 people, or 0.9%, still receive paper checks. This number has remained relatively stable over time, with the Social Security Administration's own data showing that nearly 850,000 paper checks are sent out each month.

Key Takeaways:

  • Social Security recipients still receive paper checks, with approximately 549,818 people, or 0.9%, receiving checks in August 2020.
  • The Social Security Administration relies on the postal service for other important mailings, such as paper statements and notices.
  • While 99.1% of Social Security recipients now receive their money via direct deposit, the remaining 0.9% continues to receive paper checks.
  • The number of people receiving paper checks has remained relatively stable at approximately 549,818, with 1.2% of recipients choosing to receive checks in the Supplemental Security Income program.
  • The USPS continues to play a crucial role in the delivery of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income checks.
  • Social Security Administration data shows that in August 2020, there were 55,551 check recipients in California, 43,068 in New York, 39,792 in Texas, and 31,700 in Florida.

Statistics:

  • 99.1% of Social Security recipients now receive their money via direct deposit (Source: Social Security Administration).
  • 549,818 people, or approximately 0.9% of Social Security recipients, still receive paper checks (Source: Social Security Administration).
  • Nearly 850,000 paper checks are sent out each month (Source: Social Security Administration).
  • 1.2% of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients choose to receive checks (Source: Social Security Administration).
  • 55,551 check recipients in California (Source: Social Security Administration, August 2020 data).
  • 43,068 check recipients in New York (Source: Social Security Administration, August 2020 data).
  • 39,792 check recipients in Texas (Source: Social Security Administration, August 2020 data).
  • 31,700 check recipients in Florida (Source: Social Security Administration, August 2020 data).

Sources:

  • Social Security Administration (no date)
  • Social Security Administration (January 2013)
  • CNN (January 2013)
  • Social Security Administration (August 2020 data)
  • Social Security Administration (no date)