Paper bills will be abolished on September 30, 2025, with cessation of checks being the last option laid by the federal government. Federal benefit receivers including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under Executive Order 14247 must transition to electronic payment as stated here, Goodbye to physical payments – These are the two ways to collect Social Security checks of up to $5,108 starting September 30. Less than 1% of current Social Security beneficiaries really depend on paper checks, and that means affected individuals have to take measures right now to ensure that they receive their due payments in time.
Why the change must happen
Paper checks, in comparison with electronic funds transfer, are under constant threat by loss in transit, theft, or delays. The U.S. Treasury estimates that it costs approximately 50 cents to mail one paper check versus less than 15 cents for an electronic funds transfer. Electronic payments also ensure funds are available on payment day without waiting for the mail. If payment options are not electronic from October 1, beneficiaries will be at risk of delayed or suspended benefits unless they apply for a waiver to the Treasury, which is to be granted only in restricted situations revolving around claims of extreme hardship or absence of access to the banking system.
Option 1: Direct deposit into a bank account
Under direct deposit arrangements, your monthly benefit is automatically sent into an account held in your name at a financial institution. It is preferred by most recipients for its speed, safety, and ease, as there are no fees attached. You can sign up for direct deposit by one of these ways:
- Online: Log in to your personal my Social Security account, where you can also open an account if you do not have one already. Name, U.S. mailing address, and a valid email address are required to set up an account at SSA.gov/myaccount. Once logged in, go to the Banking section and follow the steps to add or update your information.
- Via Go Direct® site: Visit GoDirect.gov and provide your bank routing number, account number, and account type.
- By telephone: Call the Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795 or contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- You can also visit any local Social Security office or take the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (SF-1199A) to your bank or credit union to enroll.
Your monthly benefit will then be deposited into your account. From that point on, recipients need not visit a bank or worry about receiving anything in the mail.
Option 2: Direct Express® prepaid card
For those without checking accounts, the Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® provides a handy alternative. The benefits are loaded onto the card on scheduled payment days, which can be used like cash to purchase goods, pay bills, or get cash via various ATMs across the U.S. Enrolling just takes your Social Security number, claim number, and date of birth.
- Call: 1-800-333-1795, to enroll directly for Direct Express.
- Or go online: USDirectExpress.com.
There are no enrollment fees, and most transactions, such as cash withdrawals and purchases, are free. Every month, cardholders get an electronic statement showing deposits and transactions. The card is supported by the FDIC for customer protection.
How to confirm your enrollment
SSA will send you a confirmation notice once you have set up either direct deposit or the Direct Express card. You can expect your first electronic payment to arrive on the normal payment date following the enrollment. If you have not received confirmation in two weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or the Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center to establish your account information and verify that your information was accurately entered.
Requesting an exception
Paper checks could be issued in very limited conditions under which a few selected beneficiaries may be granted waivers. Such instances include being over 90 years of age, having mental impairment documented by an adequate authority, or living remotely wherein suitable banking services are not easily accessible as detailed here, Good news for impaired beneficiaries – Hardship waivers protect $1,900 Social Security payments from being cut off after Sept. 30. To appeal for the waiver, call the Treasury at 1-855-290-1545 and follow instructions to fill out a waiver form. The approval of these waivers rests solely with the Treasury and must be requested before September 30 to ensure an uninterrupted payment flow.
Concluding steps and resources
Don’t delay, act in time so that your benefits remain uninterrupted. If you have not done so already, select any of the options that works best, and finalize your enrollment before September 30. For steps and enrollments:
- Direct Deposit: SSA.gov/deposit or my Social Security account.
- Direct Express Card: 1-800-333-1795 or USDirectExpress.com.
For assistance and questions, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or the Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center. Transitioning before the deadline will guarantee safe and timely access to your Social Security benefits without relying on paper checks.
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