Starting September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will officially stop mailing paper checks. This change affects anyone getting retirement, disability (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you’re one of the remaining 450,000 people still receiving checks by mail, you’ll need to switch to a digital payment method—either direct deposit or a prepaid debit card.
This move is part of a bigger push by the government to modernize the way federal payments are handled. Paper checks are not only expensive (costing over $650 million in 2024 alone), but they’re also more vulnerable to fraud and delays. Electronic payments are faster, safer, and much more reliable.
If you miss the deadline, your benefits won’t vanish overnight—but your payments could be put on hold until you switch to an electronic option. And while there are a few exemptions for those in special situations, most people will need to make the change. Here’s what you need to know and how to update your payment info in time.
No More Paper Checks After September 30
The Social Security Administration is phasing out paper checks completely by the end of September 2025. Whether you’re retired, living with a disability, or receiving SSI, you’ll need to have an electronic payment method in place. If you’re still relying on paper checks, now’s the time to make the switch.
Why the change? A few key reasons:
- Paper checks are easier to steal or lose.
- Electronic payments arrive faster and have fewer errors.
- It’s way cheaper for the government—saving hundreds of millions in mailing costs.
Will My Payments Stop if I Don’t Switch?
No, your benefits won’t just disappear if you miss the deadline. But if you haven’t updated your payment method by September 30, the SSA may pause your payments until they have your new bank or card details. That’s not a situation anyone wants to be in.
If you truly don’t have access to a bank account or are dealing with extreme hardship, there is a very narrow path for an exemption. But those are rare and must be approved by the U.S. Treasury—not something that’s easily or quickly done.
A few people who might qualify for an exemption include:
- Those without any access to a bank or digital payment options
- Individuals facing severe hardship or crisis situations
Even if you think you might qualify, it’s best to apply as soon as possible—there are no guarantees.
Your Two Payment Options
Here’s how you can start getting your Social Security benefits electronically:
1. Direct Deposit Into Your Bank or Credit Union
This is the most common and fastest option. Your benefits can go straight into:
- A checking or savings account
- A debit card account from your bank or credit union
- A digital account from fintech companies
With direct deposit, your money shows up reliably every month—sometimes even a little early, depending on your bank.
2. Direct Express® Prepaid Debit Card
Don’t have a bank account? The SSA offers the Direct Express® card, which works like a basic debit card. No credit check is needed, and you’ll get your monthly payment electronically.
Keep in mind: this card doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles that many modern banking apps do. There’s no early deposit feature or budgeting tools, but it gets the job done.
How to Switch Your Payment Method
Switching is simple and doesn’t take long—especially with the SSA’s new system, which processes changes in just one business day.
Option 1: Online
- Log in to your My Social Security account
- Go to the Direct Deposit section
- Enter your updated banking or card details
Option 2: By Phone
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- Give your new payment information to a representative
(Note: Depending on your situation, you might be asked to visit an office in person.)
Option 3: In Person
- Visit your nearest Social Security office
- Bring a voided check or an official letter from your bank with your account info
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Even though it might seem like there’s still time, it’s better to take care of this sooner rather than later. Updating your payment method now means one less thing to worry about—and it ensures there are no delays or issues when your next benefit check is due.
Whether you prefer the convenience of direct deposit or need a prepaid card, the most important thing is that you make the switch. Come October, paper checks will be a thing of the past.
