Social Security to end paper checks this year

The Social Security Administration is about to wrap up its move to paperless payments.

By the end of the year, the SSA plans to fully transition to electronic payments for all beneficiaries, the agency wrote in a June 2 blog post. "To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security in federal payments, the Department of the Treasury is phasing out paper checks," the SSA said.

The move stems from an executive order signed by President Trump in March 2025, requiring a move to electronic payments. The order stated that federal benefits were to be paid electronically as of Sept. 30, 2025.

As of June 2026, fewer than 1% of Social Security recipients got paper checks, according to the agency.

The SSA is urging those who get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments to switch to electronic payments to ensure they get them securely, according to the notice.

The move to electronic payments will also save the Treasury Department money. The average cost to print a check has increased to $3.07, twenty times the cost of an automated payment, according to the agency. So not printing checks could save millions annually, the department says.

When will paper checks no longer be an option?

The Social Security Administration says that paper checks will no longer be issued for benefit payments by the end of the year.

How to switch to electronic payments

Social Security beneficiaries can switch from paper checks to electronic payments online through their personal my Social Security account. In the account, they can add their bank information to receive direct deposits.

The agency has technicians available for those who need tech support Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. ET.

How can I get Social Security deposits if I don't have a bank account?

Benefits can be sent to a prepaid debit card. You can enroll in the Direct Express debit card program at GoDirect.gov or call 1-800-967-6857.

Beneficiaries who cannot transition to electronic payments may contact the Treasury Department for a possible waiver. You can call the department's Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET.

Contributing: Anthony Robledo.

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at  mikegsnider  &  @mikegsnider.bsky.social  &  @mikesnider & [email protected].