US to phase out most paper checks for federal benefits
The federal government will begin phasing out paper checks for Social Security and other federal payments by September 30.
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The Social Security Administration is finalizing its transition to paperless payments.
SSA plans to fully transition all beneficiaries to electronic payments by the end of the year, the agency said in a June 2 blog post. “To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase the security of federal payments, Treasury will phase out paper checks,” SSA said.
The move stems from an executive order signed by President Trump in March 2025 mandating a transition to electronic payments. The order stated that federal benefits will be paid electronically starting September 30, 2025.
As of June 2026, less than 1% of Social Security recipients received paper checks, the agency said.
According to the notice, SSA is urging people receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments to switch to electronic payments to ensure they receive their payments.
The move to electronic payments will also save the Treasury. The agency said the average cost to print a check has risen to $3.07, 20 times more than automatic payments. As a result, not printing checks could save millions of dollars a year, the department said.
When will paper checks no longer be an option?
The Social Security Administration has announced that it will no longer issue paper checks to pay benefits by the end of the year.
How to switch to electronic payments
Social Security recipients can switch from paper checks to online electronic payments through their personal my Social Security account. You can add your banking information to your account to receive direct deposits.
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How can I receive Social Security deposits if I don’t have a bank account?
Rewards can be sent to a prepaid debit card. Register for the Direct Express debit card program at GoDirect.gov or call 1-800-967-6857.
Beneficiaries who are unable to transition to electronic payments may contact the Treasury Department regarding possible exemptions. You can call the department’s Electronic Payment Solutions Center at 800-967-6857 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Contributor: Anthony Robredo.
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
