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Time of India

Paper checks ending! 500,000 seniors must act fast as social security goes digital this fall

Social Security paper checks are ending this fall—here's what seniors need to know- For the roughly half a million Americans who still walk out to their mailbox each month for a Social Security check, big changes are coming—and fast. Starting September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop mailing paper checks altogether. That means all federal benefit payments, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and others, will be delivered electronically only—either via direct deposit or through a government-issued debit card. This shift was ordered by President Trump in March 2025 as part of a broader federal push to modernize and secure government payments. 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Although more than 73 million Americans receive Social Security benefits today, less than 1%—roughly 520,000 people—still get paper checks in the mail. This group includes: Seniors over 80 Those living in rural or tribal areas Live Events Individuals without bank accounts People with disabilities or limited digital access SSA says it's already reaching out directly to these beneficiaries to ensure they know about the change and have time to switch to an electronic option. Why is this change happening now? This move to go fully paperless isn't just about convenience—it's about security and savings. According to the U.S. Treasury: Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments. Switching to digital methods could save the government up to $750 million annually. Plus, electronic payments are faster and more reliable, arriving directly in beneficiaries' bank accounts or on prepaid debit cards like Direct Express®. What do you need to do before the September 30 deadline? If you're still receiving a paper check, you need to take action now to avoid a payment delay—or worse, a disruption in benefits. Here are your options: Set up direct deposit: You can link your Social Security benefits to your checking or savings account. This is the fastest and most secure option. Enroll in the Direct Express® card program: If you don't have a bank account, the government offers a prepaid debit card that automatically loads your benefits each month. It's a great option for the unbanked. Apply for a waiver: If switching to electronic payments poses a serious hardship—for example, if you live in a remote area without banking access—you may be eligible for a Treasury Department waiver. But you must apply before September 30. You can make these changes by: Visiting Logging into your mySocialSecurity account Calling 1-800-772-1213 Or stopping by your local SSA office What happens if you don't switch in time? If you miss the September 30 deadline and don't apply for a waiver, your Social Security payments may be delayed, held, or temporarily suspended until you set up an approved electronic option. SSA has warned that high call volumes and in-person visits could create long wait times as the deadline approaches, so it's best to act early. Is anyone concerned about this transition? While the change promises savings and security, advocates are concerned about vulnerable groups: Seniors who aren't tech-savvy Individuals without internet or smartphone access Residents in rural or tribal areas with limited infrastructure Organizations are urging the SSA to ensure a smooth transition and offer adequate support for those most at risk of losing access to benefits. Don't wait to act The shift away from paper checks marks a major milestone in how Social Security benefits are delivered. But for the 500,000+ Americans still relying on their mailboxes, the message is clear: September 30 is your deadline. Make sure you're set up for direct deposit or get your Direct Express® card soon. If you or someone you care about might struggle with this transition, now's the time to help them take action. Need help walking through the process or finding the right option? I can assist with that—just ask. FAQs: Q1: When will Social Security paper checks stop? A1: Paper checks for Social Security will end on September 30, 2025 . Q2: What if I don't have a bank account for my Social Security benefits? A2: You can use the Direct Express® debit card to receive your payments.