Urgent: Set Up Direct Deposit Before Social Security Ends Paper Checks

A big change is coming for anyone receiving Social Security and other federal benefits.

By September 30, 2025, paper checks will officially end, with all payments moving to direct deposit or other digital methods.

This change is part of a federal effort to:

• Speed up payments

• Reduce fraud and lost checks

• Modernize how benefits are delivered

Why Is This Happening?

Federal checks are much more likely to get lost, stolen, or delayed compared to electronic payments.

Mail theft has also increased in recent years, putting many seniors and disabled recipients at risk of missing important funds.

Moving to digital payments helps ensure your Social Security benefits arrive on time and securely.

Read: Double SSI Checks Are Coming in 2025. See Which Months Pay Twice

Who Will This Impact?

Most Social Security recipients already receive benefits via direct deposit, but about 500,000 Americans still get paper checks each month.

Those most affected may include:

• Seniors who do not have online banking

• People in rural areas with limited internet access

• Unbanked households

What Are Your Options?

Once paper checks end, benefits will be sent using:

1. Direct deposit into your bank or credit union account

2. Direct Express prepaid debit card

3. Other approved digital methods

If you don’t have a bank account, you can sign up for the Direct Express card, which lets you receive benefits electronically and use the card to make purchases, pay bills, or withdraw cash.

How to Prepare Now

To avoid any disruption in your payments:

1. Set up direct deposit with your bank if you haven’t already.

2. If you are unbanked, ask about the Direct Express card at www.usdirectexpress.com.

3. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) for help at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.

4. Seek help from family, community centers, or local banks if you need assistance setting up electronic payments.

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