Big change coming to Social Security benefits
Beginning September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer send paper checks by mail for monthly benefits. Payments will be made electronically only. This broad change is intended to modernise the system, save money, and suppress fraud.
If you’re a senior who still gets paper checks, don’t worry—you’re not being left out. There are new, safer, and faster ways to get your money. And for a few people who qualify for special exceptions, paper checks may still be available.
From paper checks to digital payments
Less than 1% of Social Security recipients continue to receive checks. That’s less than 0.8% of all recipients. The rest already have switched to electronic payment, which is more secure and far faster.
As of September 30, the two most favoured methods of receiving your funds are:
- Direct deposit in your bank or credit union.
- Direct Express prepaid debit card for people who don’t have a bank account.
This is no longer waiting for the mailman, no concern about lost checks, or waiting anymore.
Why is this change happening?
Paper checks are “the front door for fraud,” says the U.S. Treasury. Crooks and scammers love to target them because they can be stolen, duplicated, or forged.
By becoming electronic, the SSA hopes to cut down on fraud and keep seniors from being scammed out of their benefits. And it costs less. Paper checks cost around 50 cents to send out, while electronic payments are under 15 cents. That’s millions of payments a month, so the cost savings add up big time!
The benefits of electronic payments
The changeover to electronic payments has numerous benefits to seniors:
- Faster access to cash – Your cash is there now with direct deposit or Direct Express. No more waiting for the mail.
- Safer than paper – Electronic payments are 16 times less likely to be lost or stolen.
- Saves the government money – Cost savings free up funds for other critical programmes.
So, while change is daunting, this change makes life a whole lot easier.
Who still qualifies to get paper checks?
All the rest will be required to make the switch, but some older people can still get paper checks in exceptional circumstances. They include:
- People who are mentally disabled to the extent that using electronic payments is too difficult.
- Older people who live in very rural areas where electronic payments are not practical.
- People aged 90 and above.
- If you are in one of these categories, you may be able to keep receiving paper checks.
How to ask for an exception
If you believe you qualify, do the following:
- Call the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Waiver Line at 1-855-290-1545.
- Alternatively, print and mail the formal waiver form.
- Don’t wait—exceptions won’t happen, and the September 30, 2025, deadline is near. If you don’t sign up and aren’t already set up for direct deposit or a Direct Express card, your payments will be stopped.
Time to act
This change might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually great news for most seniors. Electronic payments mean faster, safer, and more reliable Social Security benefits. For those who truly cannot switch, a waiver option is available—but you’ll need to apply soon.
So, whether you’re setting up direct deposit or applying for an exception, now’s the time to act. That way, you’ll keep those important Social Security payments—worth up to $2,710 a month—coming in without a hitch.
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