By Hillary Hatch, Social Security public affairs specialist
Image by Rizve Joarder from Pixabay
As of September 30, 2025, federal law and Executive Order 14247 required federal benefits to be paid electronically. To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security in federal payments, the Department of the Treasury is phasing out paper checks. Social Security plans to complete the transition to electronic payments for all beneficiaries this year.
Making the Switch to Electronic Payments: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
If you’re still receiving payments by paper check, the Social Security Administration is encouraging you to switch to electronic payments as soon as possible. Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered or returned undeliverable than electronic payments. Switching now ensures you receive your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income quickly and securely.
Follow these simple steps to make the switch:
- Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Add your bank account information to receive your payment as a direct deposit.
- You can also ask your financial institution to send your direct deposit information to Social Security electronically.
No bank account? You can still receive electronic payments deposited on a prepaid debit card by enrolling in the Direct Express® program. Learn more at GoDirect.gov or call 1-800-967-6857.
Why Electronic Payments? Electronic payments offer several important benefits over traditional paper checks:
- Speed and Efficiency: Electronic funds transfers (EFTs) are processed faster, ensuring you receive your payments on time every month.
- Cost Savings: The Department of the Treasury reports that the average cost to print a check has increased to $3.07 per check, which is approximately 20 times more expensive than automated payments. This shift could save the federal government millions annually.
- Enhanced Security: Electronic payments provide a safer, more secure way to receive benefits, significantly reducing the risk of loss, theft, or fraud.
The Social Security Administration is committed to making this transition as seamless as possible for all beneficiaries including seniors, individuals with disabilities and those without traditional banking access.
They also recognize that some beneficiaries may not be able to make this transition. If you need an exception because of challenges, such as mental health concerns or you live in a remote location without access to financial institutions, you can request a waiver through the U.S. Treasury.
Help spread the word on this full transition by sharing this information with your friends and family and posting it on social media.
Editor’s Note: The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that less than 1% of all beneficiaries still receive paper checks currently on its website ssa.gov. These individuals include unbanked individuals, older adults, rural residents, people with disabilities and emergency cases in which recipients are granted temporary exceptions by Treasury.
