For decades, a paper check in the mailbox was how Social Security arrived. For a small group of people, it still is. But that’s coming to an end.
The Social Security Administration says it plans to move all remaining beneficiaries onto electronic payments by the end of 2026. If you, a parent or a neighbor still gets a paper check, now is a good time to sort out the switch, before the year-end rush and the holidays.
What’s changing
The push to end paper checks comes from federal law and Executive Order 14247, signed in March 2025. The order requires federal benefit payments to go electronic, with only limited exceptions. The Treasury Department began phasing out paper checks on September 30, 2025, and SSA said in June 2026 that it aims to finish moving everyone over this year.
Most people won’t notice anything. SSA says fewer than 1% of beneficiaries still get paper checks. But that small share still means a lot of people, and many of them are older, live in rural areas, or don’t use online banking.
Why SSA is doing it
SSA gives three main reasons:
- Safety: SSA says paper checks are about 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments.
- Speed: Direct deposit lands on payday morning. There’s no waiting for the mail or a trip to the bank.
- Cost: A paper check costs about 50 cents to issue, compared with less than 15 cents for an electronic payment.
How to switch
There are three easy ways:
- Online: Sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount and add your bank details for direct deposit.
- Through your bank: Ask your bank or credit union to send your direct deposit details to SSA for you. Many will do this at the counter.
- By phone or in person: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Have your bank’s routing number and your account number ready.
It can take a payment cycle or two for the change to kick in, so keep an eye on your account the first month.
No bank account? You still have an option
If you don’t have a bank account, you can sign up for a Direct Express prepaid debit card. Your benefit is loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it in stores or at ATMs. You can find out more at godirect.gov.
What if you truly can’t switch?
SSA says exceptions are for “extremely rare circumstances,” such as living somewhere with no access to a bank. To ask for a waiver, contact the U.S. Treasury at 855-290-1545.
Watch out for scams
Any change like this brings out scammers. SSA won’t call, text or email asking for your bank login, PIN or a fee to “keep your benefits.” Only make changes through ssa.gov, your bank, or SSA’s official phone number. If you’re helping an older relative switch, sit with them while they do it.
Sources: CPA Practice Advisor / Dallas Morning News, El Cronista and Fox Business.
Jackson is a dedicated USA news writer, who covers important topics such as Social Security payment schedules, COLA increases, IRS tax refunds, stimulus payment announcements, Medicare eligibility, retirement benefits, and changes to state driving laws. His goal is to provide clear, informative, and easy-to-follow articles that help retirees, seniors, taxpayers, and American families stay informed.