If you’re a retiree, veteran, or anyone reliant on federal benefits, some important changes are coming your way this fall. Starting in late September 2025, how your Social Security and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits are paid may appear slightly different. Don’t worry — your money isn’t going anywhere, but you may need to do a few things to make sure those payments keep on coming.
Why are payments changing?
This shift comes from a March executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The goal is simple: move away from paper checks and money orders and push everyone to use electronic payments. Why? Because paper checks get lost, stolen, or tampered with 16 times more often than direct deposits or digital payments.
In other words, it’s about making sure your money gets to you faster, safer, and with fewer headaches.
When will the change happen?
Mark your calendars — September 30, 2025, is the big date. After that, most benefit payments from Social Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs will be sent electronically. If you’re already set up for direct deposit, you’re good to go! If not, you’ll need to switch over soon.
What payment methods will be allowed?
Forget paper checks (mostly). Under this order, the government will allow:
- Direct deposit to your bank account
- Prepaid debit cards (like Direct Express)
- Digital wallets (such as PayPal, Apple Pay, or similar)
- Real-time payment systems and other secure electronic methods
Basically, if it’s fast, secure, and electronic, it’s on the table.
What if you still want paper checks?
For most people, paper checks are going away. But there are a few exceptions:
- If you don’t have a bank account or online payment access
- If electronic payments would cause hardship (for example, in emergencies)
- If the Treasury Secretary makes an exception for special situations
So, it’s not impossible to stick with paper — but you’ll need a really good reason.
What do you need to do?
If you don’t already get your benefits electronically, you’ll need to make the switch soon:
- Log into your Social Security account and update your direct deposit details.
- Call Social Security or the VA if you’d rather talk to a representative.
- Contact your bank — they can help provide your direct deposit info directly to Social Security or the VA.
- Update VA payments online or over the phone using the same methods.
The process is quick, and once you’re set up, you’ll never have to worry about checks getting delayed again.
How many people will this affect?
According to Social Security data, over 99% of beneficiaries already use direct deposit. That means this change will affect only a small group — mostly people who still receive paper checks or money orders. But if you’re one of them, now’s the time to act.
One more thing to know
The executive order doesn’t just affect payments to you. It also applies to payments you send to the government. If you owe federal taxes, student loans, or other payments, paper checks may soon be off the table. Get ready to go digital both ways!
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Bottom line
Your benefits are not being reduced, delayed, or changed — just how you receive them. By moving to electronic payments, the government hopes to make things faster, safer, and easier for everyone.
So, if you’re still getting a paper check, take a few minutes this month to switch to direct deposit or another digital method. Come October, you’ll be glad you did — no waiting for the mailman, no worrying about lost checks, just your money in your account on time, every time.
