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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nailora s.
thank you my friend https://www.nailora.com.tr
carlos r.
what happens if i havent changed to direct deposit
DEDRA T.
I need a Direct Express debit card like Ihe
.green one
Donaisha c.
I haven’t gotten my baby ssi check yet I done called and updated my baby info so many times they just updated her to directExpress on the 1st of this month and already sent her check out ain’t no tilling if I’m going to get this months check
Melissa W.
My name is Melissa Winkle. I Have been recieving social security direct deposits for about 5 years now, on the 3rd of the month. This Month, October 3, was last Friday I did not receive my deposit. It is now Monday, October 6, still no deposit. Can you tell me why the delay?
Ronda s.
Can you help me to see of I can get it .
Brayson A.
I never got a notice in the mail about this and now i am going to be late on rent and idk what to even do and now have to set up direct deposit this monday and i have no clue when i would even receive it soon as i do since i should have already had a pay out
WENDY T.
They still sent out paper checks for October so you should have received it but late.
Carolyn W.
Have not received mine
Carolyn W.
When will I get a direct deposit
svein l.
I don’t know if my previous comment was allowed to be posted, but. If all Washingtonians cannot pass the security requirement due to their Washington state drivers license not being accepted because an error of the department of licensing. Than that will result in a class action suit against the government. Just keep sending our checks in the mail, if your not able to fix your screw up.
svein l.
I tried to do the switch over to direct deposit. But was told that a required picture of our Washington state drivers licenses could not be accepted for setting up the account because of something to do with an incorrect date on the license. And so I needed to go to the post office to show my drivers license. But before I do I need to change that info on my account. So if I cant access my account because of the security how do I change the info?
Friendly C.
do you not have a bank account? Failing to see the problem. Step 1) get bank account or other account that allows direct deposit. Step 2) tell Social Security the new account information. You might have to make an appointment to do this in person due to rule change by new administration.
Margaret R.
My brother is on SSI we have been trying to get him on direct express card for months and they say they need an assigned account # from social security office he still hasn’t got direct deposit yet how is he going to be paid
Jim L.
Since all electronic payments now why can’t we all receive our payments the beginning of the month when our bills are due instead of staggered at different times of the month based on our birthdate? Seems should be able to since it was sent up originally when was mailed to avoid mail theft and manage processing.