What happens if I don’t switch to digital payments by September 30?
You will need to set up direct deposit or a Direct Express card to continue receiving your Social Security benefits.
Finance / Social Security
Major changes are coming to Social Security payments in September 2025. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump mandates a shift to fully digital payments, impacting hundreds of thousands of Americans. Here’s a breakdown of what...
### Background President Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to modernize Social Security payments. This order sets a compliance deadline of September 30, 2025, to end the issuance of paper checks for federal benefit payments.
### Transition to Digital Payments The Social Security Administration (SSA) is transitioning to digital payments for several reasons:
1. **Cost Savings:** Paper checks cost the U.S. government about $0.50 each, while electronic fund transfers (EFTs) cost less than $0.15. 2. **Faster Payments:** EFTs allow for quicker deposit and clearance of funds compared to paper checks. 3. **Increased Security:** Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments.
### How to Prepare If you currently receive Social Security payments via paper check, here’s what you need to do:
1. **Set up Direct Deposit:** Contact your bank or credit union to set up direct deposit. 2. **Opt for a Direct Express Card:** This prepaid debit card allows federal benefits to be directly deposited onto it.
### Exceptions The SSA has stipulated some exceptions to the rule, including:
These individuals will need to apply for a waiver to continue receiving paper checks.
You will need to set up direct deposit or a Direct Express card to continue receiving your Social Security benefits.
Yes, individuals aged 90 and above, those with mental impairments, or people in remote areas can apply for a waiver to continue receiving paper checks.
The SSA estimates that this switch will reduce payment costs by more than $2 million annually.
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