General, Online Services, Social Security Benefits

Social Security Transition to Electronic Payments—Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Do Before September 30

September 19, 2025 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Social Security Administration LogoAs 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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Comments

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  1. Milton S.

    My Dad did not receive a check in September was there no checks sent out

    Reply
  2. Miguel S.

    Hello
    I would like to know if you have my account in your data because to this point I did not received the COVID 2 last 2 checks neither the $2000 you mention
    SS 265375810
    Kindly regards

    Reply
  3. lbdhr

    Do I need to re-enter my banking information if I already have my benefits resource?

    Reply
  4. Mister A.

    If you still receive paper Social Security checks, you must switch to electronic payments before September 30. You can choose direct deposit to your bank account or a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®. To make the switch, visit the U.S. Treasury’s website, call the Social Security Administration, or contact your bank. Moving to electronic payments ensures faster, safer, and more reliable access to your benefits.

    Reply
  5. Joyce M.

    I called Social Security about three weeks ago about a scam I received online. Today I received, what I thought was another scam, telling me to call them at a certain time to go over the details & telling me they were holding my social security number. Was this another scam?

    Reply
    • B.wstson

      No contact our main office for updates at 202-681-5018.

      Ssi_Assistant manager
      B.Watson

      Reply
  6. Melody R.

    Where’s my direct deposit? Its late!

    Reply
  7. Ronda M.

    I do not hav an I’d an i ben waiting for my birth certificate from out of state to get my ID to set up direct deposit so today I did not get my ssi check it always comes the day before the 1st so what do I do if I dont get it tomoron

    Reply
  8. Sena K.

    I need to reschedule my SS benefits appointments from November 6 to later date.

    How to proceed as I cannot reply to the mail that I received and I am currently overseas. The issue also is that the SSA office can only presumably reach me only on my US telephone number.

    Reply
    • Roger S.

      Pls contact our office when open.

      Reply
  9. Elizabeth T.

    If I already have my benefits direct deposited, do I need to re-enter my banking information?

    Reply
    • Lentoya C.

      When SSi

      Reply
    • Lentoya B.

      When i Ssi

      Reply
    • B.Watson

      Yes contact there main office for updates at 202-681-5018

      Reply

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