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 third wave of Social Security payments for October is scheduled to be distributed this week, making this the first month under the agency’s new paperless policy.
Starting in October, most recipients will need to set up direct deposit into their bank account or use a Direct Express card.
The change from paper checks to direct deposit comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March ending the federal government’s issuance of paper checks, with a September 30 compliance deadline.
Here’s what you need to know about this week’s Social Security payments.
Who will receive Social Security payments this week?
Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of their birth month are supposed to receive their monthly Social Security benefits on Wednesday, Oct. 22, according to the SSA payment calendar.
When will my Social Security payments be sent?
Social Security benefits, which are paid primarily to elderly or retired beneficiaries, are typically paid on Wednesdays.
According to the SSA calendar, if the recipient’s birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, payments will generally be made on the second Wednesday of the payment month. Those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on the 3rd Wednesday, and those born after the 20th will be paid on the 4th Wednesday.
People who received Social Security benefits before May 1997 can receive their payments on the third day of the month, excluding weekends and holidays.
For people who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security payments are made on the 3rd of the month and SSI payments are made on the 1st of the month.
Complete 2025 Social Security Payment Calendar
SSI payment schedule for October, remainder of 2025, and through 2026
Recipients of Supplemental Securities Income (SSI) checks are now set to receive payments on the first business day of the month (October 1, 2025).
According to the SSA calendar, SSI checks will be mailed on the following days in 2025 and early 2026:
- Friday, October 31, 2025 (confirmed for November 2025)
- Monday, December 1, 2025 (confirmed in December 2025)
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (confirmed for January 2026)
- Friday, January 30, 2026 (confirmed for February 2026)
- Friday, February 27, 2026 (check for March 2026)
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
