Paperless: Social Security to Fully Transition to Electronic Payments

According to Social Security, beneficiaries who still receive paper checks are encouraged to switch to electronic payments as soon as possible.

Source: Social Security Administration

Federal law and Executive Order 14247 require federal benefit payments to be issued electronically beginning Sept. 30, 2025. As part of that effort, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is phasing out paper checks, and the Social Security Administration plans to complete the transition to electronic payments for all beneficiaries this year.

According to Social Security, beneficiaries who still receive paper checks are encouraged to switch to electronic payments as soon as possible. The agency notes that paper checks are significantly more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or returned as undeliverable than electronic payments.

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Beneficiaries can receive payments through direct deposit by creating or signing into a personal my Social Security account and providing bank account information. Financial institutions may also be able to submit direct deposit information electronically on behalf of account holders.

Individuals without a traditional bank account may receive benefits through the Direct Express® prepaid debit card program. Additional information is available at GoDirect.gov or by calling 1-800-967-6857.

Social Security officials say electronic payments offer faster processing, lower administrative costs, and enhanced security compared to paper checks. The Department of the Treasury reports that printing and mailing a paper check costs an average of $3.07 per payment, making paper checks substantially more expensive than automated electronic transfers.

The agency stated that it is working to make the transition as seamless as possible for beneficiaries, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without traditional banking access. Beneficiaries who are unable to transition to electronic payments because of circumstances such as certain mental health concerns or a lack of access to financial institutions may be eligible to request a waiver through the U.S. Treasury.