Starting September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration will stop sending paper checks for benefit payments. 

According to Jack Myers at Social Security, this change is part of a government-wide effort to modernize payment systems, making payments faster, safer, and more reliable for everyone. This update mainly affects a small group of beneficiaries—less than one percent—who still receive paper checks. 

If you’re one of them, it’s important to switch to electronic payments to continue getting your benefits on time. You have two convenient options - sign up for direct deposit, which sends your payment directly to your checking or savings account, or use the direct express prepaid debit card, designed for people without bank accounts.

Myers reminds the website is ssa.gov/deposit and encourages making the switch as soon as possible to keep your benefits coming safely and on time. He reminds direct deposits begin on September 30.