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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Suzanne
I also received this notice in my email two days after the deadline. Thank you.
Linda
SO WHY DID YOU SEND OUT AN EMAIL ABOUT THIS ON OCTOBER FIRST WHEN THE TOPIC IS:
“Wed, Oct 1 at 8:44 AM ” Social Security Transition to Electronic Payments—Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Do Before September 30″
SEPTEMBER 30 HAD ALREADY PASSED BEFORE YOU SENT THE EMAIL.
Joyce K.
Thank God for Social Security
Judy O.
How do I find out on the SS website the status of a claim for reinstatement of Medicare Part B.
Karl
I have always received electronic payments, but I have to echo many of the comments here. If the deadline was 30 September, why are notices still being sent in October? If you’re trying to reach late comers to the change over, just wait a couple of days and they’ll reach out to you.
Elene
Yes, so helpful to send information about a Sept. 30 deadline on Oct. 1.
Joseph B.
You never mentioned about “if you are already receiving payment electronically”. For old timers you should at least say something about it.
Jan p.
This email was sent a day after due date! You can do better!
Maloyo
Why did SSA send me an email about this blog post (for a second time) on Ocrober 1, 2025? Makes no sense.
Dan
This arrived On Oct. 1st, 2025. Please note that your email notice of what needs to be done by Sept. 30th 2025.
Henry L.
When I retired the State of Maryland wasn’t a part of my retirement settlement.
It was started on my contribution to the social security system.
When did the State of Maryland intervene?