Many people in the U.S. still receive their Social Security benefits through paper checks. But starting from September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop sending paper checks.
This big change is meant to reduce fraud, avoid payment delays, and cut unnecessary costs. If you or someone you know still gets Social Security payments by mail, it’s time to act—otherwise, your payment could be delayed or even stopped.
Why Is SSA Ending Paper Checks?
Paper checks often take longer to arrive, get lost in the mail, or even fall into the wrong hands. The SSA wants to make the system safer and faster by using electronic payments only. This move will also help them save money on printing and postage.
How to Keep Your Payments Coming
To continue receiving your Social Security money without problems, switch to direct deposit as soon as possible. You can do this in three simple ways:
Online: Visit the official SSA website and log in to your my Social Security account.
By Phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
By Mail: Submit Form SSA-1199A to the SSA office.
The online method is the fastest and doesn’t require you to go anywhere in person.
Don’t Have a Bank Account? Use Direct Express
If you don’t have a bank account, no worries. You can sign up for a Direct Express card, which works like a debit card. It will receive your Social Security payments directly, and you can use it at stores, ATMs, or online. It’s a simple and safe way to get your money without needing a bank.
Important Step: Verify Your Identity
To complete the switch to electronic payments, you must verify your identity. You can do this by creating or logging into your my Social Security account or by visiting your local SSA office. This step makes sure your payments go to the right person and helps prevent fraud.
How Many People Are Still Using Paper Checks?
As of now, around 456,000 people still receive Social Security by paper check. After September 30, 2025, if they haven’t made the switch, they may face delays or miss their payments. Electronic payments are safer, faster, and more reliable.
July 2025 Payment Schedule
SSA pays Social Security benefits in three rounds each month, based on your birth date:
July 9: Payments for those born from the 1st to 10th of any month.
July 16: Payments for those born from the 11th to 20th.
July 23: Payments for birthdays from the 21st to 31st.
If you use direct deposit, you usually get your payment before 9 a.m. on payday. Paper checks (until they are phased out) may take 1–3 days to arrive.
2025 Maximum Benefit Amounts
Your monthly payment depends on the age when you retire:
Retire at 67 (full retirement age): Up to $4,018 per month.
Retire at 70: Maximum benefit increases to $5,108 per month.
Retire early at 62: You’ll get up to $2,831 per month.
On average, retirees in 2025 will receive $1,976 per month after a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which helps with inflation.
What to Do if Your Payment Is Missing
If you don’t see your Social Security money:
First, check the payment schedule according to your birthdate.
Then, look at your bank account or Direct Express card for any pending transactions.
If no money has arrived after three business days, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your nearest SSA office.
Also, make sure your direct deposit details are up to date in your account.
If a paper check is lost or stolen, report it immediately to protect your benefits and avoid fraud.
The Social Security Administration’s decision to stop paper checks by September 2025 is a major step toward safer and faster payments. If you’re still using paper checks, switch to direct deposit or a Direct Express card soon to avoid any payment issues.
Always keep your account info updated and verify your identity. These small steps will help ensure that your retirement payments continue without trouble.
