Retirement Social Security

A Major Social Security Change Will Impact Payments for 500,000 Starting in September

Paper checks for Social Security are ending. Here's what you need to know.

By Stephanie Yontz

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated July 18, 2025

Big changes are coming this fall for some people receiving Social Security benefits. After September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop sending paper checks and switch entirely to digital payments. This update will impact nearly half a million Americans.

If you're still getting your Social Security benefits by mail, this change could directly affect you. In this article, we'll break down what the SSA's new policy means, how to find out if you're impacted, and what steps you should take next.

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What changes should I expect in September?

An executive order was signed by President Trump in March 2025 requiring all federal payments to go digital. You won't get paper checks anymore after September 30, 2025.

If you currently receive your Social Security, SSDI, or SSI payments by mail, you'll need to switch to direct deposit or a government-approved prepaid debit card before the end of September.

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Who is affected by the change?

If you still get your Social Security by paper check, you're one of nearly 500,000 people affected by the new rule. The government is requiring all payments to be electronic, and you must sign up for digital payments.

Why the change?

This change is part of a larger push to cut fraud and improve efficiency in government. Not only is mailing checks more expensive, but paper checks also carry more risk of being lost or stolen. Switching to direct deposit means you'll receive your payments faster and more safely. While paper checks may require up to three business days to reach you, for instance, digital payments show up in your account right away.

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How will recipients collect payments going forward?

You will receive payments in one of the following two ways with the new system:

Direct deposit: Your benefits are sent straight to your bank account, ensuring fast and secure access each month.
Direct Express debit card: If you don't have a bank account, your payments will be loaded onto a government-issued prepaid card that you can use like a regular debit card.

What you need to do now

Sign up for direct deposit at https://godirect.gov/gpw/ if you collect monthly federal benefits and provide your most current address and payment details.

You can also call SSA or visit a local office if you run into any issues you can't resolve.

How to get help

The easiest way to find help is by visiting www.ssa.gov. You'll find all the information needed to complete the application. The site also contains answers to frequently asked questions and official publications.

Call 1-800-772-1213 if you need to talk to someone. Anyone with a hearing problem should use the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. Staff will answer Monday through Friday if you call from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

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Is there a registration fee?

You won't pay a sign-up or monthly fee to use direct deposit or the Direct Express card.

Are there any fees associated with the Direct Express card?

The Direct Express card is free to sign up for and does not charge a monthly maintenance fee, making it a convenient option for retirees who don't use a bank account.

Most everyday transactions don't carry a charge, but there are instances where you might pay a small fee, including:

$0.90 for non-Direct Express ATMs
$0.90 for Walmart Money Center or Customer Service Desk withdrawals
$1.50 to transfer funds to a personal bank account
$4 to replace the card
$13.50 for overnight card delivery
$3 plus 3% for international ATM withdrawals
3% for international withdrawals
$0.75 for a paper statement mailed each month

Bottom line

As the government moves toward a fully digital payment system, it's important to stay informed and prepared, especially if you still receive paper checks. Making the switch to direct deposit or the debit card will help ensure your benefits arrive safely and on time each month.

While change can be inconvenient, this shift is designed to provide faster, more secure payments that support a stress-free retirement. Take a few minutes now to review your payment method so you can continue enjoying the peace of mind you've earned.

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