Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop sending out benefit payments by mail starting September 30, 2025. All payments, including Social Security and other federal benefits, will be made electronically to reduce costs and prevent fraud. Beneficiaries must choose direct deposit or a prepaid card to continue receiving payments.
Key Facts
- The SSA will no longer issue benefit payments by paper check starting September 30, 2025.
- Beneficiaries need to switch to electronic payments using direct deposit or the Direct Express card.
- An executive order signed by former President Trump requires all federal payments to be electronic by this date.
- Over 521,000 payments were still made as checks as of July 2025, but these are a small fraction of total beneficiaries.
- The switch aims to reduce costs, prevent fraud, and avoid delays associated with paper checks.
- Exceptions to the rule exist for recipients without any electronic payment options available.
- The SSA provides assistance to help beneficiaries through the transition process.
- Complaints of mail theft have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, making electronic payments more secure.
