Social Security Transition to Electronic Payments—Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Do Before September 30
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: September 24, 2025
As the September 30 deadline approaches, this is an important reminder to prepare for the transition to electronic payments. All federal benefit payments will soon be issued electronically, and paper checks will be phased out in most cases.
If you still receive paper checks, now is the time to act. To avoid any disruption in payments, you should switch to electronic payment options before September 30.
Why Make the Switch?
Electronic payments are faster, more secure, and more convenient. Funds are deposited directly into a bank account or onto a prepaid debit card, eliminating mail delays and trips to the bank.
How to Enroll
- Direct Deposit: Social Security beneficiaries can manage direct deposit through their personal my Social Security account. Supplemental Security Income recipients and international beneficiaries can call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
- Direct Express® Card: For those without a bank account, enroll by calling
1-800-333-1795 or visiting www.usdirectexpress.com.
Social Security technicians are available to assist you with the transition and to answer any questions you may have. To ensure you continue receiving your benefits without interruption, please take action before the September 30 deadline.
Please note: temporary checks are no longer available for initial claims and anyone seeking an exemption must file a waiver with the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347. If you have no other way to receive payments, we will continue to issue paper checks. There are no plans to pause any payments starting October 1.
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Delanna W.
My SSA Account says that I am getting a paper check for SSI on the 30 but I have not received it
Michael L.
Curious to know if you received your paper check? We are also waiting for one.
Holly
Curious to know if y’all got a paper check. October 3rd would be my son’s 2nd check, and nothing. We were out the loop. I called and SSA says they sent a paper check, but the Mastercard people said SSA set him up an account but we didn’t receive it so now I have to call to reissue. Sounds fishy. But whatever.
Kendal
My SSA account said the same thing! It said I would be getting a paper check on the third but I haven’t received it yet.
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.
quacy m.
dara pinkard trying to got me a new social security card today September the 30 to aid keyshawn pinkard in his scam and fraud using our home from their military or marine job
JanetAshley
I need to get my check transferred to another bank. How do I get this done?
Veronica
I made the switch last week…how will I be notified it has been accepted? How would I know that my October 1st check will be deposited? Or will it still be mailed for now since I made the switch.
Lessley P.
Electronic payment can be disrupted ,delayed , hacked or intercepted by scammers with a simple computer to say this is a better system is false when compared to regular mail . I have no desire to change and do not trust a computer system along with AI technology that can duplicate human interaction. If the system has EXCEPTIONS for any citizen ALL citizens should have the right to opt out of these new rules if it does not work for them . Going online , pin codes and the entire system has been attacked frequently and one cyber attack on the electronic payment process can cause chaos for benefit recipients. I opt out of any system change and want no change in payment other than a standard check .
James
We agree with this comment. People should not be forced into a system that is absolutely not hack proof, or electricity dependent. WE WANT TO OPT OUT OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS!!!
Kim
I do not trust AI either and I can’t believe our President Trump is for this AI mess. Yes it “may” be able to do some good, however, MORE IMPORTANTLY it can and will, in time destroy everything. Our President is by far the smartest “Business Man” turned President that I hav ever known of and that’s why I’m shocked and beside myself with his division to support this thing. It’s EVIL and made for later destruction. WHY doesn’t he see this? PLEASE protect us all. Rich or poor. It’s not right or fair. Please
Marie
Right?! I don’t know what Trump is doing lately with some of the comments I have heard him make and decisions he’s made . Something doesn’t feel right, AT ALL .
I am beyond shocked at what mess SS truly is judging by the thousands of comments on this website.
Marie
AGREE !!!!
I deleted my online account THREE years ago because I was affected by a government website hack . I still have not received a yearly PAPER statement since then despite telling them I want back to paper.
I will have to call them to demand my statements be mailed to my home. I am not old enough to collect yet so it hasn’t affected any benefits.
I will never use a online account for anything again. I have reverted to paper for everything. I get my bills in the mail and pay by check. I rarely use credit cards and prefer cash.
When my smartphone became too outdated to use several years ago I refused to spend the absurd cost to replace it , I only used it for talking and texts anyway. I bought a dumb non smart phone with no internet for 45 dollars. I use my copper old school landline at home, can’t beat the voice clarity and it’s the only thing that works when the power goes out.
So even if I wanted to I have no ability to use this online stuff , and it’s way to confusing for me at this stage of my life.
I have no social media , and check the old email address I have maybe once every few months. I am not interested in living in a dystopian digital world.
They depend on people not having any push-back, so push-back ! If everyone threw their smartphones away they would never be able to implement any of this stuff. They attempt to make it as difficult as possible so you will cave , they cite it’s for better security , nonsense !
I said years ago to my children , you are trading convenience for privacy. I will retain my privacy , thank you very much . Grateful my children have now opened their eyes to exactly what I warned them about.
Everyone should delete their online account .
Amy M.
I need proof of my application for DSS … how can I obtain it.? I’m homeless and I don’t even have money for a roll of toilet paper.Please help me get my paperwork i need
LSD a.
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Mike B.
I think the whole idea of a person that isn’t a citizen nor has never paid into SSI getting bennifits is completely absurd!
Donald Trump is watching out for the citizens that have become Americans legally and have paid their dues!Seniors can relax knowing that our government is looking out for us in so many ways! Hopefully those that want to come to the US and want to gain citizenship here will realize they need to follow the legal channels , obey toe laws of our land ,take the US history classes, pass the written test and show effort to becoming a positive member of our society! Foreigners shouldn’t be freeloaders and need communication skills of some sort and respect our people and the American Flag! Ang lastly… by no means ever collect Social Security unless they e paid into iit like everybody else! Also…they shouldn’t be allowed free medical benefits nor should they be able to collect any form of welfare for at least 10 years! People that want a roof over their head and food on the family’s table will need a job like everyone else! Yes America is the land of opportunity but not without a little effort! Immigrants need not cost the American taxpayers nothing whatsoever!
GO TRUMP ! He’s got Balls and above all he knows how to properly control spending, warfare to defend our nation, and make life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness happen!! I don’t care what anybody says… Trump has shown to be the fairest ,smartest president in many years! Democrats need to open their eves, swallow their pride and give him the credit he deserves instead of bashing him ridicule ing him! We as Americans needn’t be such a devided nation! And hopefully go by the golden rule of “love your neighbor as they self! God bless America!
Ryan
Trump is a tyrant and the amount of damage that DOGE has had on Medicaid cuts has been astounding. His policies have been nothing but harmful to ALL people in America.
Jo
Stop spreading lies about Trump! He is protecting USA citizens and we should come first! What don’t you understand! If you want illegals to have your money than give it to them, don’t drag the rest of us into your BS! We are tired of this and it’s a bout time we have a fearless leader instead of a dimwit and Donald Trump is an amazing fearless president! Get your head out of your a$$! USA patriots love Trump!
Patricia V.
Stop this Political Crap and just act like normal people!!
Jenn
Agreed! 🙏
Elene
Non-citizens typically pay into Social Security but never collect a dime. Please get your facts straight.
Bill s.
Many, if not most illegal aliens, are paid under the table and pay no taxes including social security. Get your facts straight!
Lesly F.
I think SSA is good, but the Elderly ages will need help
Monica R.
King
Barbara
Will all recipients of Social Security receive a letter with this information? Not everyone has a smartphone.