Social Security paper checks ending September 30, 2025, marks a big shift for over 500,000 Americans still receiving their Social Security or SSI benefits by mail. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will now only send payments electronically—via direct deposit or the Direct Express® card.

The Social Security Administration is transitioning away from paper checks this year, only allowing electronic payments for beneficiaries.

Many Americans are ditching their checkbooks these days, with only 61 percent reportedly having written one in 2024. Now, the federal government is following suit, with paper checks being discontinued as a form of payment.