For many years, millions of Americans received their Social Security benefits through paper checks. However, as of the 30th of September 2025, this will no longer be the case. The government is officially ending paper checks. Beneficiaries will need to switch to an electronic payment method to receive their benefits.
What’s Changing
As of next week, Social Security will no longer send out paper checks. Instead, beneficiaries will have only two options:
- Direct deposit into a bank or credit union account.
- A Treasury-issued Direct Express debit card.
The aim of this change is to ensure that payments are faster and more efficient as well safer. It is also cheaper to process than paper checks.
Why This Change Matters
There are millions of American citizens who rely on Social Security as their financial backbone. These benefits assist them with paying for food, rent and utilities. It is therefore important for beneficiaries to make the necessary changes to ensure that they receive their benefits on time.
Advice From Financial Expert
Personal finance expert Jean Chatzky has some simple advice to help people make smarter decisions about when to claim their benefits.
Even though you are eligible to collect benefits from the age of 62, your benefits will be permanently reduced. Therefore, financial expert Jean Chatzky advises waiting up until full retirement age (FRA) or until age 70 if possible, in order to maximise your benefits.
Tips for Married Couples
Her strategy for couples is a bit different. She advises married couples, particularly those where one partner is expected to survive well into old age, to have the spouse with the better earnings history postpone collecting benefits.
The reason for this is simple. Should the higher earning spouse pass away, the partner will receive survivor benefits based on the larger check.
Can You Work and Collect at the Same Time?
There are many people who still work after collecting Social Security benefits. However, it’s important to note that if you collect benefits before reaching FRA, your benefits will be reduced if your income is above a certain limit. However, once you reach FRA, you can work without losing your benefits.
Don’t Rely Only on Social Security
Chatzky is vocal about the fact that Social Security was never meant to be the primary source of income. It was meant to provide financial assistance in addition to other savings.
She thus advises individuals to put as much money as they can into retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s. You’ll be less reliant on Social Security and better equipped to handle major life costs if you have additional funds.
Plan for a Longer Retirement
It is also important to plan for a longer lifespan. Today, people are living into their 80s or 90s, therefore it is important to ensure that you have enough savings for your retirement years. Even though it might feel overwhelming to plan, it’s beneficial to be prepared so that you do not run out of money.
Final Thoughts
Jean Chatzky advises individuals to not rush their Social Security decision. If it’s possible, try and wait up until age 70 to claim your benefits so that you get the maximum out of your funds.
In addition to this, do not rely solely on Social Security. Be sure to have other retirement savings accounts. The goal is a peaceful retirement and in order for that happening, planning needs to start from now. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor if you require assistance making financial decisions.