No, you can continue to get a check if using direct deposit is not right for you. But, you should continue to look for an account that suits your needs. The Department of the Treasury recently introduced an easy and affordable option to get Social Security benefits by direct deposit, called the Electronic Transfer Account (ETA).

The ETA is available through participating federally-insured financial institutions, including banks, savings and loans and credit unions. For more information about the ETA or to locate an ETA provider, you should contact the ETA call center at 1-888-382-3311 or you can visit the Department of the Treasury's ETA website at http://www.eta-find.gov.