Attention Social Security beneficiaries! No paper checks will be sent by Social Security in 2025. Starting October 1, Social Security in the United States will no longer send paper checks to pay monthly benefits to retirees and other recipients. This means that all payments will be made electronically, either through direct deposit into bank accounts or through a reloadable debit card called Direct Express. So, let’s learn more about these changes in the process and what you have to do in case you receive these payments.
Why is this change happening?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) explained that this change is being made to speed up payments, prevent fraud and theft, and provide better service to recipients.
According to the Social Security Commissioner, Frank J. Bisignano, stopping paper checks will help prevent issues like mail loss or misuse of checks. It will also help save time and money in the payment process.
What exactly changes on October 1?
On this date, these paper checks will no longer be sent by mail. So, all payments will have to be made through one of the following two methods: Direct deposit into a bank account or direct Express card, which is a debit card that automatically reloads every month.
What do beneficiaries need to do?
If someone still receives their payment by check, they must make the change before October 1. If they don’t, there could be delays or temporary interruption of payments. The SSA recommends making the change as soon as possible. These are the two options:
- Option 1: Direct deposit into a bank account. You can enroll online at GoDirect.gov or by calling 1-877-874-6347. It’s important that you know what you will be required: Social Security number and bank account information (account type, routing number, and account number).
- Option 2: Direct Express card. For people who do not have a bank account. The card is automatically reloaded each month with the benefit amount. To request it, you must contact Social Security and provide: Social Security number, information from your most recent check, and date of birth.
Both options are free, and they ensure that the money arrives on time and securely, without needing to visit a bank or wait for mail delivery.
Why are paper checks being discontinued?
Although less than 1% of beneficiaries still receive payments by check, these are usually older adults or people without full access to the internet or banking services. However, checks come with several risks and disadvantages:
- They can be lost in the mail
- They can be stolen or misused
- They cost more time and money to process
With the electronic system, the government can: Ensure on-time payments, fix errors faster, track deposits and reduce administrative costs.
Other Social Security changes
This change is part of a larger modernization plan by the SSA. Some of the recent improvements include:
- The my Social Security website now works better and allows more users to access it without interruptions
- Average wait times at offices have gone down from 30 minutes to 23 minutes
- In one week, 1.3 million phone calls were handled, and phone wait times dropped from 30 minutes to 18 minutes
Remember the date!
If you or someone in your family receives Social Security benefits by mail, now is the time to prepare for this change. Starting October 1, 2025, paper checks will no longer be sent, so it is important to switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express card to avoid any delays or missed payments. Taking action early will help ensure that your benefits continue to arrive safely and on time, without any interruptions.