Overview

• SSA will stop issuing paper checks on September 30, 2025, requiring all beneficiaries to switch to electronic payments.
• Fewer than 1% of recipients still receive paper checks and must enroll in direct deposit or obtain a Direct Express prepaid debit card.
• The transition aligns with Executive Order 14247, mandating electronic disbursements across federal programs by the end of September.
• Each electronic transfer costs under 15 cents compared with about 50 cents for a paper check and reduces fraud risk since paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen.
• SSA technicians are available to help with direct deposit enrollment and Direct Express card applications through the My Social Security website.