For decades, millions of Americans have relied on paper checks to receive their Social Security benefits. However, that tradition is officially coming to an end. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced it will fully transition away from paper checks and move entirely to electronic payments.
This shift is part of a broader effort to streamline benefit delivery, reduce fraud, and save taxpayer dollars. While most Social Security recipients already receive their payments via direct deposit or prepaid debit cards, a small number—estimated at fewer than 180,000 people—still receive paper checks in the mail. This will soon change.
The SSA emphasized that electronic payments are safer and more reliable, noting that they eliminate the risk of lost or stolen checks and provide beneficiaries with immediate access to their funds. The deadline for recipients to switch from paper checks to electronic payments is set for September 2025. After that point, paper checks will no longer be mailed to Social Security recipients.
Those who haven’t already made the switch must choose one of two options: direct deposit into a bank account or enrollment in the Direct Express Debit Mastercard program. The Direct Express program, launched in 2008, is a federal debit card specifically designed for Social Security and other federal benefits. The card allows users to make purchases, withdraw cash, and pay bills without the need for a traditional bank account.
The SSA has emphasized the benefits of going electronic, especially for older adults or people in rural areas. The agency highlighted that electronic payments arrive on time, every time, regardless of weather delays or mail disruptions. This move is also expected to significantly reduce costs for the government, with the U.S. Treasury Department noting that it costs about 92 cents more to issue a paper check than an electronic payment.
For those with concerns about making the transition—such as limited internet access or limited banking options—the SSA offers support through local offices and its toll-free number. Additional assistance is available through the Go Direct helpline, managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service.
The U.S. Treasury has long encouraged electronic payment methods, and a 2013 rule required all new federal benefit recipients to choose electronic methods. The small group still receiving paper checks has been grandfathered in until now. While change can be difficult, especially for those accustomed to paper checks, this transition aims to improve security and convenience for everyone involved. Beneficiaries are urged to act soon to avoid disruptions.
