If you’ve ever waited nervously for a Social Security check to arrive, you’re not alone. But that experience is becoming rarer—because the government has officially moved to phase out paper checks in favor of electronic payments. The original deadline was September 30, 2025, and it sounded final. But now, Social Security has added an important clarification: people who truly cannot go digital won’t lose their benefits.
Still, most recipients are expected to make the switch. So let’s go over what changed, who’s affected, and what you need to do to keep your payments flowing smoothly.
Table of Contents
Deadline
Back in March 2025, the White House issued an executive order telling all federal agencies to stop issuing paper checks for payments like Social Security by September 30, 2025—as long as it was legally possible.
This move was designed to:
- Save money on printing and mailing
- Reduce check fraud and theft
- Make payments faster and safer
However, in the final weeks before the deadline, the Social Security Administration (SSA) clarified that no one will lose payments simply because they couldn’t switch in time. If electronic payments aren’t possible for you, checks will continue.
Reason
So why the push to end paper checks?
There are two main reasons: cost and security.
Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen, according to the Treasury Department. Electronic transfers (like direct deposit or Direct Express cards) also cost the government less. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Payment Method | Cost per Payment |
|---|---|
| Paper check | About $0.50 |
| Electronic transfer | About $0.15 |
When you multiply that by tens of millions of payments each month, those savings matter. And so does the peace of mind from knowing your money won’t be delayed or stolen in the mail.
Numbers
As of October 2025, Social Security reports that 99.5% of its 69.6 million monthly payments are already made electronically.
Still, some beneficiaries—especially seniors in rural areas or people without bank accounts—still rely on paper. These are the top states for mailed checks:
| State | Paper Checks (Oct. 2025) |
|---|---|
| California | 33,909 |
| Texas | 23,409 |
| Florida | 20,545 |
Even in these high-check states, electronic use is above 99 percent.
Exceptions
The shift to digital is not absolute. SSA has confirmed that exceptions are allowed under federal rules, especially for people who:
- Don’t have a bank account
- Don’t have access to the internet
- Live in areas where digital access is limited
- Face financial hardship opening an account
If this describes your situation, don’t worry. There’s a waiver process in place.
SSA said clearly: “If you have no other way to receive payments, we will continue to issue paper checks.”
Options
If you can make the switch, here’s how to do it:
1. Direct Deposit
- Connect your Social Security payments to your bank or credit union.
- Set it up at ssa.gov through your my Social Security account.
2. Direct Express® Debit Card
- No bank account? No problem.
- Call 1‑800‑333‑1795 or visit usdirectexpress.com to sign up.
- It’s a prepaid card specifically for federal benefits.
3. Request a Waiver
- Call 1‑877‑874‑6347 to reach the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center.
- This is for people who cannot use any digital method.
SSA has been sending out notices and inserts with instructions and will continue to reach out by phone, mail, and email to help beneficiaries complete the switch.
Why This Matters
Switching to electronic payments helps you:
- Get your money faster
- Avoid theft or lost checks
- Skip check-cashing fees
- Keep up with bills on time
But for people who can’t bank online or don’t have access to a financial institution, the waiver ensures benefits continue. The SSA made it clear that there are no plans to pause payments due to this shift.
It’s worth remembering that Social Security’s very first check was sent in the mail to a woman named Ida May Fuller back in 1940. Eighty-five years later, paper checks are fading, but they still serve as a backstop for those who need them.
If you haven’t already moved to direct deposit or Direct Express, now’s the time to do it—or to request your exemption if digital just won’t work for you.
FAQs
What was the Social Security payment deadline?
September 30, 2025, for switching to electronic payments.
Can I still get paper checks after the deadline?
Yes, if you can’t use electronic methods.
How do I switch to direct deposit?
Use your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
What if I don’t have a bank account?
You can get a Direct Express card or request a waiver.
Will payments stop if I didn’t switch?
No, SSA said payments will continue without pause.
