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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Martha
Why do the benefits, that is currently being introduced by robots calls, not eligible for people over 85? I’m well over that and I do see a doctor once a year, as well as living independently?
linda r.
i received only a partial payment ( $400 short!)
what can i do?
Laurie C.
My friend in Wy receives her Social Security payment on Friday because the law changed saying the banks couldn’t hold onto the funds and wait to pay them out on Wednesday. Is that true in all states or just a few? I know my bank shows it as pending, but don’t deposit it till Wednesday.
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Kendal
I haven’t received my check from social security. My social security account said it would be coming on October 3, but it hasn’t came. I did update my direct deposit too, but I still haven’t received the deposit either. Is anyone else having this problem?
Andy
I expected to see my October 2025 payment on the 3rd also, but it has not arrived yet. I received no notification of an apparent new deposit date schedule.
Lew B.
Same, and I live internationally which makes getting in touch difficult. My bank says they do not have it, Social Security confirms it was sent. International Operations department said others are having the same issue. They are putting in an investigation request and I have to wait 30 days for an answer, in the mean time I have no income to live and I am disabled.
Troy D.
Since I receive my benefits electronically already, am I good?
Annoyed M.
Why do you stop using the banking information on file when a disabled child turns 18? I thought you were supposed to be more efficient
Carolinda C.
I am already receiving my SS benefits via electronic deposits.
Do I need to do anything further since you send out the email regarding SS benefit payments on October 1, which stated that the deadline was September 30.
Please advise
Troy D.
I already my benefits electronically
Tara N.
The ssa starting to be like dfacs/dhs you always get the letter telling you you have an appointment the day after the appointment, (in ga )it’s ridiculous.
Kathleen H.
Seriously, it took to long to find the information that should have at least been available by email or paper. Neither was received not to mention that the information was way too late!