Beneficiaries Who Had Not Cashed Their Social Security Checks Within 1 Year

Individuals receiving Social Security benefit checks issued after September 30, 1989 may cash them up to 1 year after their issue date. After 1 year, the checks are non-negotiable.  If the Department of the Treasury’s records show a beneficiary did not cash a check, it returns the funds to SSA in the form of a limited payability credit in the 15^th month after the check’s issue date.  SSA sends a letter to the beneficiary inquiring if the check was received and cashed.  SSA reviews the records of beneficiaries who respond to the letter, and if appropriate, reissues the checked. If the beneficiary does not respond to the letter or indicates a cashed payment, no action is required.