The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a big change to the program starting Sept. 30, 2025 — but don’t worry, it’s not a cut to benefits. Instead, that’s the day that the SSA will stop issuing paper checks. This shift to completely digital payments isn’t meant to inconvenience beneficiaries; rather, it’s a huge cost-saving move on the part of the government.
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Regardless of the reasoning behind it, you’ll need to prepare for it. Here’s what you’ll need to know about the historic shift.
Although a seismic shift in terms of transitioning from old ways to new, very few beneficiaries will actually be affected by the switch to electronic payments.
According to the SSA, less than 1% of beneficiaries currently receive paper checks, which is a staggeringly small percentage. Nonetheless, with nearly 74 million Americans receiving benefits, that still amounts to almost three-quarters of a million recipients.
To make a smooth transition and ensure they don’t miss out on any payments, those beneficiaries will have to switch to one of two electronic payment methods, per the SSA:
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Enroll in direct deposit: This is probably the easiest and most common method. Much like you would get a direct deposit from your employer into your bank account, you can sign up for direct deposit of your Social Security benefits.
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Get a Direct Express® Card: If you don’t have or want a bank account for whatever reason, you can receive your benefits via a Direct Express® card. This is a prepaid debit card that the SSA reloads every month. Like any other prepaid card, you can use it to make purchases or pay bills. You can also get cash from an ATM machine using the card.
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Change can be uncomfortable for many, particularly when it comes to handling money. The SSA understands this and offers these helpful answers to questions beneficiaries may have regarding the change:
Although the internet can be helpful, if you’re uncomfortable with it, you can still get your payments. As the SSA points out, electronic deposits do not require internet use. If you go the direct deposit route, you can visit your local bank teller to get your money without using the internet. With the Direct Express® card, you can simply use it like a debit or ATM card, no internet necessary.
