Social Security Transition to Electronic Payments—What Beneficiaries Receiving Paper Checks Need to Know
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 14, 2025
Starting September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments. This change is part of a broader government-wide initiative to modernize payment systems and enhance service delivery. By moving to electronic payments exclusively, we aim to improve efficiency, security, and ensure beneficiaries receive their monthly benefits promptly.
Who Does This Affect?
This transition primarily affects a small group of beneficiaries who have not yet switched to electronic payment methods. Less than one percent of beneficiaries currently get paper checks. We encourage these individuals to enroll in direct deposit or opt for the Direct Express® card to continue receiving their monthly benefits timely.
Why the Shift to Electronic Payments?
The transition from paper checks to electronic payments offers several important advantages:
- Speed and Efficiency: Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) are processed more quickly than paper checks, helping beneficiaries receive their payments on time without delays.
- Cost Savings: According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, issuing a paper check costs about 50 cents, whereas an EFT costs less than 15 cents. This shift could save the federal government millions of dollars annually.
- Enhanced Security: Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen compared to electronic payments, increasing the risk of fraud. Electronic payments provide a safer, more secure way to receive benefits.
What We’re Doing to Help
We’re proactively sending notices to people who currently receive paper checks, to explain the upcoming change and highlight the benefits of switching to electronic payments. In addition, all benefit checks will include an insert explaining the steps a beneficiary can take to transition to electronic payments, and our technicians are ready to assist. These efforts aim to ensure a smooth transition and help recipients understand their options.
Your Payment Options
People who currently receive paper checks have two convenient options to receive their Social Security payments electronically:
- Direct Deposit: Beneficiaries should enroll in direct deposit with their financial institution. Payments can be deposited directly into your checking or savings account.
- Direct Express® Card: For people without a bank account, the Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card designed specifically for federal benefit payments.
You can update your payment information anytime through your personal my Social Security account online.
For more details and to learn how to enroll in direct deposit or obtain a Direct Express card, please visit www.ssa.gov/deposit/.
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Mark M.
markmayo803@gmail.com I do not want the government in my business they know enough already I do not want electronic checking at all.
Jerry
This is not new. Obama Administration talked about this over 10 years ago…get an electronic card if you do not want the government to know your bank account.
Betsy
I am 75+ and am not stupid! I learned to change with the times . Seniors who are competent to manage our own finances are also competent to use an electronic card.If a Senior has someone else manage their finances then that designated person should be competent and able to learn the same.I think the advanced notice time was adequate
NOYB
Stupid move. Just send the damn check to those who want it.
Michael R.
Yes
Donny
That’s not gonna happen. Better get used to the new administration going through all the information they have on you. And anyone else. Makes america great doesn’t it?
goldie g.
checks r themost dangerous way to send or receive money. neighbor learned the hardway.
Laura C.
No more paper checks starting October 1, announced on 14 July? That’s only six weeks notice. A change like this should be announced six MONTHS in advance.
What will SSA do if, on 30 September, there are hundreds of thousands of benefit recipients who have not set up electronic payments? Just not send them their payments?
This sounds like a disaster in the making for hundreds of thousands of people who currently get paper checks and are going to have trouble making the switch.
Wendy
You are absolutely correct and this is what is happening to us. Fiance had trouble trying to switch and not enough time to get help before the 1st and yup, no check in the mail today.
Cynthia s.
Thank you.
B. H.
How dare you continue to be in the social security system when you were asked to keep your hands off social security. Perhaps you didn’t understand that applies to anything and everything to do with social security. Now you’ve gone in and mixed things up unnecessarily I might add for a very vulnerable population. There are folks who are not in close proximity to a bank and now you’ve made it necessary for them to incurr unnecessary bank fees. For example my bank, Wells Fargo bank recently updated my account type to include a $10 fee for a bank money order or bank check. On the one hand you say this change will only effect a small percentage of folks yet on the other hand you say this change will save the government millions of dollars. Which is it? Leave things the way they are and get out and stay out of the social security system.You’ve now created unnecessary inconveniences for the most vulnerable population.
Jen R.
Just get the direct pay card then. You won’t have to go to a bank. Statements can be mailed. Treat it like a checking account and keep track of your debits and credits.
Charles D.
1) Providing less than 2 months notice for this change is unacceptable! You’re dealing with a population of elderly (remember?) who may/may not have a bank account or any means to utilize a “card”.
2) The people in your organization are not “technicians”. They are customer service or support staff. That’s a big difference!
3) If there are so few people currently getting checks, that means there is little monetary gain by removing this option to receive the benefits they have earned! It’s their $ and they have a right to receive it however they wish!
4) After all, if you discontinued the option (upon sign up) for people who are accustomed to bank deposits/cards you would eventually have no one using checks. They will die, remember?
Think of others before you act, instead of trying to make political points. You are not in this organization to make a name for yourself of score points with 34-felon. You’re working for the public (service) *not* private enterprise!! Never forget that!
If that’s not the job you can do, go do something else and give the people back their jobs that *want to* serve the public!
Marcus D.
I have been trying to get my new phone number changed, I’ve been to social security office in called to get my phone number changed from 501-400-6002 to 405-930-0674. I can’t receive code because it goes to my old phone number 501 400 6002, I need it go to 405 930 0674
Robert G.
What steps are being taken to assist the elderly and physically / visually handicapped paper check recipients? It’s not sufficient to mail notices and expect these paper check recipients to be ABLE to comply with the time factor. What advices do you have for those with and without family members who can assist with the transition? Are there social services other than and including Social Security to actively recruit recipients to comply with the transition deadline? Please advise.
jag11
It is more than adaquate time for them to make the change. SS has been telling people for YEARS to make the change. If necessary, go to a SS office and make the change if you can’t do it online. Again, you’ve had YEARS to make this change and continue to not do it. It’s now or never.
David J.
During the Obama administration, the Department of the Treasury announced a regulation requiring all federal benefit payments, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, to be made electronically. This initiative aimed to modernize the payment system, improve efficiency, enhance security, and save taxpayer money by reducing the costs associated with issuing paper checks. This policy was not introduced by an executive order from the Obama administration, but rather through a Treasury Department rule.
Cynthia L.
What is your plan for older individuals who do not use or do not have access to the internet and/or do not use online banking?
jag11
This change has been going on for YEARS! People have decided not to make the change. It’s now or never. The plan has been in effect for YEARS, don’t ask now what the plan is for those individuals. How have they been paying their bills all this time? Not all bills can be paid in cash.
Peggie H.
Does anybody know how I can get my social security away from the courts and my guardian? Because they’ve been stealing money because I was a piece of paper saying how much I would be getting a month but I’m not even getting that because my guardian is taking the money away from me. How can I stop that? How can I get my own money to a shelf?
KW
It sounds like you’re going to have to get an attorney involved. It also depends on why you have a guardian. I would advise you to call your local Legal Aid Society for free advice. Good luck.
Mike R.
Have you asked yourselves why all great ideas become someone else’s responsibility . I am disabled , my nearest social security office I’d 80 miles away. My nearest Post Office is 6 miles, I cash my checks at grocery store across street, buy my groceries , go home. How can c something so simple become so complicated. Now you want me to be responsible for all banking mistakes too. How is it the Government employee is allowed to subvert my free will of a simple life? Answer that!
Jerry
Sorry Mike but this has been announced since Obama was President. Get an electronic card.
David
“During the Obama administration, the Department of the Treasury announced a regulation requiring all federal benefit payments, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, to be made electronically. This initiative aimed to modernize the payment system, improve efficiency, enhance security, and save taxpayer money by reducing the costs associated with issuing paper checks. This policy was not introduced by an executive order from the Obama administration, but rather through a Treasury Department rule.”