Social Security will end most paper checks on September 30, 2025: Who should switch to electronic payments?

Social Security paper checks: For many years people who get Social Security money could choose to get their check in the mail. Some liked it that way, they felt it was old style and simple. But that time is almost over now. On September 30, 2025 the Social Security office will stop sending most paper checks. People who still use checks will have to switch to electronic payments. The government says they want to save money, stop fraud, and make things faster.

Almost everyone already gets their money in their bank account or on a special debit card, but about 400,000 people still wait for the paper check each month. This group will feel the change the most. The office says if someone does not move to electronic payments, they may face delays in getting their money. People can pick between normal direct deposit to their bank or use the Direct Express card, which is good for people who don’t have a bank account.

Social Security Update: SSA Reshuffles Top Leadership to Improve Service

The government says paper checks are not safe. They can get stolen or lost in the mail. They are also slower. The Treasury Department said paper checks are 16 times more likely to disappear than electronic transfers. The cost is another issue. Sending money to a bank or card costs the government less than 15 cents each time, but mailing a paper check costs more than three times that.

Some exceptions are allowed

Not everyone has to change. People who are very old, like over 90 years, can still ask for paper checks. Also people who have mental health problems or live in far places where banking is not easy can apply for a waiver. The Treasury Department will look at these cases one by one and then decide. For most people though, the rule is clear, they need to switch before the deadline.

$600 SSI Bonus in September 2025? What Social Security Really Says

The Social Security office has already started to reach out to people who are still on checks. They are telling them how to sign up for electronic payments. People can also log in to SSA.gov and make the change there. The office warns that if someone ignores the notice and does nothing, then their payments can get late or even stop for some time.