Goodbye to Social Security payments as you know them – Here’s the order signed by Trump that will change check cashing for millions of Americans

If you receive Social Security payments by check, big changes are coming your way. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will officially end paper checks for Social Security benefits starting September 30, 2025. Instead, all payments will be made electronically.

This shift is meant to modernize government payments, making them faster, safer, and more cost-effective. But it also means that if you still rely on paper checks, you will need to update your payment method soon.

What does Trump’s executive order change?

President Trump’s executive order, signed in March 2025, pushes the U.S. government to stop using paper checks for all federal payments. This includes:

• Social Security benefits
  
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  
• Veterans’ benefits
  
• Tax refunds
  
• Payments to government suppliers and contractors
  

From September 30, 2025, all federal payments will be sent via electronic funds transfers (EFTs). This includes:

• Direct deposit to a bank or credit union
  
• Prepaid debit cards
  
• Digital wallet payments
  
• Real-time transfers

Read more: Farewell to Social Security offices forever – Here’s the complete, updated list of sites DOGE has closed across the U.S.

Who will be affected by this change?

This change will affect about 456,000 Americans who still receive Social Security checks by mail. That may not sound like a lot, but these recipients are often elderly or people who may not be comfortable using digital banking.

If you are one of these recipients, you will need to switch to direct deposit or another electronic payment method before the deadline.

Why is the government making this change?

The federal government wants to eliminate paper checks for several reasons:

• Security risks – Paper checks can get lost or stolen. Electronic payments are more secure.
  
• Faster payments – Direct deposit ensures you receive your money on time, without postal delays.
  
• Lower costs – The government spends millions printing and mailing checks. Going digital saves taxpayer money.
  
• Fraud prevention – Paper checks are easier to forge or alter compared to electronic transactions.
  

According to the executive order, these inefficiencies make paper checks outdated, and replacing them with electronic payments will streamline the entire process.

Read more: This is the maximum time you can spend outside the United States before losing your Social Security checks

How can you update your Social Security payment method?

If you are still receiving paper checks, you must switch to an electronic payment method before September 30, 2025. Here is how to do it:

1. Set up direct deposit
   
   • Log into My Social Security at www.ssa.gov.
     
   • Select “Direct Deposit” and enter your bank details.
     
   • If you do not have a My Social Security account, you can create one on the website.
     
2. Use the Direct Express® Debit Card
   
   • If you do not have a bank account, you can sign up for a Direct Express® debit card.
     
   • Your benefits will be loaded onto the card each month.
     
   • You can withdraw cash, shop online, and pay bills with the card.
     
3. Call or visit your local Social Security office
   
   • You can call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
     
   • If needed, you can visit your nearest Social Security office for in-person help.
     

What happens if you do not switch before the deadline?

If you do not update your payment method by September 30, 2025, the government will not send you a paper check. Instead, your benefits could be delayed until you set up an electronic payment method.

This is why the Social Security Administration is urging everyone to update their information as soon as possible to avoid any interruptions.

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