The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reminded beneficiaries that paper checks will soon become a thing of the past.
Starting September 30, the agency will stop issuing benefit payments by mail, requiring beneficiaries to switch to electronic methods.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the SSA wrote: “Social Security is switching to electronic payments! If you still get paper checks, act now to avoid payment delays. Enroll in direct deposit or Direct Express by Sept. 30.”
Why It Matters
The change is part of a broader shift in federal disbursements following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in March, titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.”
Under the mandate, all federal payments—including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), vendor payments, and even tax refunds—must be made electronically after September 30, 2025.
According to SSA records, 521,644 remittances were still being issued as physical checks as of July.
That number represents a small fraction of the tens of millions of total beneficiaries, but the upcoming deadline will impact those who have not yet made the switch.
How to Enroll For Digital Payments
Beneficiaries can choose one of two main methods:
Direct Deposit: Social Security beneficiaries can set up or manage direct deposit through their my Social Security account. Supplemental Security Income recipients and international beneficiaries can also call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.Direct Express Card: For those without a bank account, the prepaid debit card option is available. Enrollment can be done by calling 1-800-333-1795 or visiting www.usdirectexpress.com.
The SSA has said technicians are available to assist with the transition and answer questions. To avoid disruption, beneficiaries are encouraged to take action before the September 30 deadline.
Stock image/file photo: A person holding a check from the United States Treasury.
Stock image/file photo: A person holding a check from the United States Treasury.
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Why The Change?
A White House fact sheet accompanying the executive order said physical checks lead to “unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies.”
It also said that mail theft complaints “have increased substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic,” and Treasury checks are “16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered” than electronic payments.
Maintaining paper check infrastructure cost taxpayers more than $657 million in Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the White House said.
Are There Exceptions?
Some recipients will still receive paper checks, but only in limited circumstances.
“In March 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14247, which mandates the transition to electronic payments for all Federal disbursements by September 30, 2025,” an SSA spokesperson told Newsweek.
“Where a beneficiary has no other means to receive payment, we will continue to issue paper checks.”