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5h ago

U.S. Ends Federal Paper Checks Sept. 30 as Social Security, IRS Shift to Electronic Payments

Officials cite lower costs with reduced fraud risk.

A Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Washington, DC, March 26, 2025. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly aiming to reform and downsize the SSA with office closures, cutbacks on phone services and new rules requiring in-person visits for some prospective beneficiaries to register. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Social Security stops paper benefit checks Sept. 30, moving new disbursements to direct deposit or the Treasury-backed Direct Express card.
  • IRS paper refund checks end the same day, following a 2025 filing season in which about 7% of refunds—roughly 6.5 million—were mailed.
  • The change affects a small slice of Social Security recipients, about 0.8% or roughly 400,000 to 500,000 people, according to the agency.
  • Treasury notes paper checks cost about $0.50 versus under $0.15 for electronic transfers, and paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen.
  • Agencies report final reminders and enrollment help via my Social Security, GoDirect.gov, SSA at 1-800-772-1213, and Direct Express at 1-800-333-1795, with limited waivers available though detailed exemption steps remain unclear as of Sept. 26.