The U.S. government will no longer send out Social Security checks by mail, by fall 2025. In order to modernize the system, all payments will be made digitally. This change is meant to reduce fraud, increase efficiency and mitigate unnecessary costs.
The decision stems from an executive order first issued during President Donald Trump’s administration titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.” Under this mandate, all federal payments, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), vendor contracts, and tax refunds must be made electronically after September 30, 2025.
Why the Change Is Happening
The main reason behind dropping paper checks comes down to safety. According to the U.S. Treasury, paper checks are far more likely to go missing, get stolen, or be altered compared to digital payments—about 16 times more likely, in fact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mail theft and check fraud became a serious issue, shining a light on just how risky the old system can be.
Right now, nearly 494,000 people, around 9% of Social Security recipients still get their payments through the mail. The government’s goal is to bring that number down to almost zero by the end of 2025.
Approved Digital Payment Methods
Once the change is complete, the only accepted ways to receive payments will be:
- Direct deposit to a bank or credit union
- Prepaid or debit cards
- Digital wallets
- Real-time payment platforms
Exemptions Still Available
The ultimate goal is to mitigate paper checks, but certain individuals may still qualify for non-digital payments:
- Lack of access to banking or internet services
- Emergency situations or personal hardship
- Law enforcement or national security needs
Applicants must submit their requests to either the SSA or the Treasury for review.
Concerns Over Impact on Seniors
Critics say the change could hit older adults the hardest, especially those who aren’t comfortable with technology or who don’t have easy access to online banking. Matt Watkins, who runs Watkins Public Affairs, warned that the new policy might end up putting extra hurdles in front of seniors, low-income families, and people in rural or underserved communities
“This isn’t efficiency; it is exclusion. Without expanded navigator programs, multilingual outreach, and phased implementation, we will see a spike in missed payments, call centre backlogs, and preventable financial crises for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Watkins.
A Race Against the Clock
Transitioning nearly half a million people from paper to digital payments is no small task. Brandon Spear, CEO of payment firm TreviPay, believes that while the change is necessary, the timeline may be too ambitious. He stressed the importance of clear communication and careful coordination to ensure no one is left behind.
“The government will need to contact with each individual Social Security recipient, receive bank deposit information, confirm that information is collected securely to prevent fraud, as well as communicate this oncoming change effectively to a demographic who may be sceptical about providing banking information this way,” he said.
How to Get Ready
For anyone still receiving paper checks, here’s what to do:
- Visit SSA.gov or log in to your “My Social Security” account to enrol in direct deposit.
- Make sure your address and banking details are current.
- Beneficiaries are urged to be aware of scam emails, phone calls, or messages pretending to be from the government.
- Contact the SSA if you face challenges transitioning or need to require any further clarification.
Looking Ahead
Beneficiaries are encouraged to keep up to date with verified information as the switch to digital payments is expected to conclude by 30th September 2025. Individuals must be mindful and make proactive decisions to safeguard their payments for the future.