The federal government is discontinuing paper checks for all benefit programs, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Officials claim the move will save money and reduce fraud, but it’s causing problems for half a million Americans who still rely on mailed checks.
If you are one of the shrinking number of people who receive physical Social Security or SSI checks, those days will end in October 2025. No more waiting for the mail—your money will only be delivered via direct deposit, prepaid debit card, or other digital means. Miss the deadline and your payment may be delayed.
White House orders end to paper checks: SSI payments reached by the order
On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Modernising Payments To and From America’s Bank Accounts. It requires that all federal payments, from Social Security to tax refunds, become digital by September 30, 2025. After that date, there will be no more paper checks.
Even checks dated October 1, 2025 or later (such as the usual Social Security payment on the third of the month) will be issued electronically. There are no exceptions—unless you qualify for a rare waiver, as confirmed by an SSA official.
The reasons behind this change for Social Security payments
Three major factors are driving the shift, which affects not only Social Security payments but also other federal programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits):
High costs: Taxpayers pay $650 million per year to print and mail checks. In comparison, electronic transfers are very inexpensive. Over a decade, the federal government expects to save $1 billion, which they say could be used to fund other programs.
Improved security: Fraudsters profit handsomely from lost or stolen checks. Direct deposit reduces that risk, making it more difficult for scammers to intercept benefits.
Quicker delivery: Digital payments arrive faster. No more postal delays, missing mail, or waiting for checks to clear. For the 67 million Americans who rely on these funds, timing is crucial.
Who’s affected? Mostly seniors and rural residents
Approximately 480,000 people—roughly 7% of Social Security recipients—still use paper checks. Many are elderly or live in remote areas with limited internet access and few banks. According to the Social Security Administration, 99% of beneficiaries already use electronic payments, so this final push is aimed at the remaining holdouts.
Now, here’s how to switch before the deadline:
Direct deposit (easiest if you have a bank account)
Direct Express debit card (no bank needed)
Digital wallets (less common, but may work)
You might receive email instructions from the SSA, but do not wait. If you miss the September 30, 2025 deadline, your October payment could be delayed. For people who live pay cheque to pay cheque, this is a disaster waiting to happen.
There are some exceptions, such as disaster relief (FEMA checks) or people without banking access, but they are limited.
