What changed
Under federal law and Executive Order 14247, federal benefit payments are required to be made electronically, with limited exceptions. SSA stopped issuing paper checks to most beneficiaries starting September 30, 2025, and said in September 2026 that it plans to complete the transition by the end of this year. At the start, roughly 0.8% of beneficiaries still received checks.
Your two options
| Option | Who it is for | How to set it up |
|---|---|---|
| Direct deposit | Anyone with a bank or credit union account | Sign in to your my Social Security account, or ask your bank to send the information to SSA, or call 1-800-772-1213 |
| Direct Express prepaid card | People without a bank account | Enroll at godirect.gov |
Who can still get a paper check
Waivers are granted only in rare circumstances: when electronic payment would cause hardship because of a mental impairment, when you live in a remote area without the infrastructure for electronic transactions, or when you are age 90 or older. To request a waiver, contact the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution waiver line at 1-855-290-1545. SSA has also said it will continue issuing checks to people with no other way to be paid.
Why the switch
The government says electronic payments are faster and safer, because paper checks can be lost, stolen, or altered, and they cost more to issue. Direct deposit also means your payment arrives on your normal date without waiting for the mail.
Protect your account
- Update direct deposit only through your my Social Security account, SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or your bank. Never give your bank details to someone who contacts you first.
- If your bank account changes, update SSA right away so a payment is not rejected.
- Watch for scams about "mandatory" changes. See how to spot them.