The Social Security Administration has been urging Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries to update their payment methods, due to the migration to 100% electronic payments. This, therefore, heralds the near elimination of paper check payments.
Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will permanently suspend check delivery, meaning that if you don’t switch to electronic methods by that date, your payment could be delayed or even temporarily suspended.
We don’t want that to happen, which is why the SSA is urging beneficiaries to act today. Financial well-being is a priority, and this change is not only necessary but will also bring significant benefits to you.
SSA to eliminate paper checks soon: What you should do
Let us explain why this transition is so urgent and how it directly affects your life. First, using paper checks carries risks we all want to avoid: checks lost in the mail, delays due to weather conditions, or even the risk of theft or fraud. Imagine not receiving your payment on time because the check went missing, or having to wait additional days while the bank processes the deposit.
With electronic methods, those problems disappear. Your money will arrive securely and on time every month, directly to your account or card, without depending on external factors. Furthermore, this change will save the government more than $657 million annually in printing, mailing, and processing costs. These funds can be reinvested in improving other services that benefit our communities.
SSI recipients must do this procedure ASAP
We know that for many of you, especially older adults or residents of rural areas, this transition may be a source of concern. Perhaps you don’t have a bank account nearby, or perhaps you’re worried about not having internet access to manage the change.
That’s why the SSA has thought about all these situations. There are options designed to make this process as simple as possible. For example, if you prefer to avoid banks, you can apply for the Direct Express Prepaid Card, a free and easy-to-use alternative where your funds will be automatically deposited each month.
You can also opt for digital wallets like PayPal or Venmo if you’re comfortable with technology, which can be set up similarly to a bank account. And if you live in an area with limited services, you can request an exemption from this change and continue to be paid by paper check.
If you have a disability, live in a remote area without access to banking or technology services, or face any other barriers, there are exemptions available to the aforementioned exemption. To apply, please call the helpline at 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible.
These procedures require a case-by-case review, and starting them early is very important to avoid interruptions in your payments. But please don’t assume you automatically qualify. Contact the SSA to discuss your options.
Change your payment method now: step-by-step guide
What exactly should you do? The first step is to choose the method that best suits your needs: direct deposit into a bank account, the Direct Express card, or a digital wallet.
Then, update your information with us using one of three options: online through the “My Social Security” portal (www.ssa.gov/myaccount), by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (where we offer service in Spanish and other languages), or by visiting your local Social Security office.
SSA agents will guide you without rushing and answer any questions you may have. We strongly recommend not waiting until September. The sooner you act, the more time we’ll have to ensure everything runs smoothly when the deadline arrives.
If September 30, 2025, arrives and you haven’t updated your information, your payment could be delayed for several weeks or even paused until you complete the process. At a time when every dollar counts, you can’t afford for that to happen.
Therefore, don’t underestimate the deadlines, as processing can take longer than expected during peak periods. Start today; your financial stability is worth the small effort.
