If you’re one of the nearly 500,000 people still getting your Social Security by paper check, it’s time to get ready for a big change. Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop sending paper checks for Social Security and other benefits. That means you’ll need to switch to a digital option—like direct deposit or a prepaid debit card—to keep getting your money.
It was first announced in 2020 as part of an executive order to streamline federal payments. It is part of a broader effort to secure payments and make them more resistant to fraud, especially because paper checks have been getting stolen more and more since the pandemic.
Why this matters
Here’s the thing: checks get lost, stolen, or delayed way more often than electronic payments. According to government data, they’re 16 times more likely to run into problems. That’s not good when you’re depending on that money to live.
Its proponents say it simply makes sense—it is faster, it is safer, and it saves money. But its opponents worry it will abandon the old, the non-internet-connected, or those merely unaccustomed to doing things electronically.
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Who it affects
Today, almost 8.7% of Social Security benefits are still being sent through the mail. If you’re among them, you’ll have to convert by the deadline—unless you qualify for an exemption.
You may still get a paper check if:
- You don’t have access to banking services.
- You have a situation making it too complicated to transition (e.g., a recent crisis).
- There are law enforcement or national security issues.
In these instances, the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Treasury Department may work with you on an individual basis to institute alternatives.
How to prepare
The following are three simple steps to prepare you:
1. Set Up Direct Deposit:
Go to [ssa.gov](https://ssa.gov) and log in to your My Social Security account. You can link your bank account and update your details.
2. Watch Out for Scams:
These scammers will try to take you for a ride using this change. Remember—SSA and Treasury will never ask you to pay money to change your payment method.
3. Get Assistance if Needed:
If you are confused about online banking, do not panic. Contact the SSA or the Electronic Payment Solution Center. They can walk you through it or help with an exception.
What’s next
By September 30, 2025, all Social Security, SSI, SSDI payments, and even tax refunds, will be electronic—no exception if you qualify. The government will provide advance notice to all paper-check recipients. But don’t wait. The sooner you switch, the better.
Naturally, you’ll be nervous about this change. Just recall there is help available—and switching now will save you future stress.
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