Most Social Security recipients today have their benefits placed directly into their bank account via direct deposit. Others choose to have the funds placed on a debit card. The mailing of a physical check is no longer an option today because of how Social Security works. Funds that are placed onto a debit card can still be garnished by the Federal government, even though they are not in a separate bank account. If the funds have been withdrawn as cash, then it will be difficult for the benefits to be garnished. However, as additional deposits are made into your account, those funds will generally be immediately garnished before you can withdraw cash.