Retirement Social Security

Half a Million Will Be Affected by Social Security Change in September

The way you receive Social Security is changing. Here's what you need to know.

By Stephanie Yontz

Updated July 24, 2025

Big changes are coming for Social Security recipients who still receive paper checks. Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop mailing checks for benefits, including Social Security, SSDI, and SSI. If you're part of the nearly 500,000 Americans who still get payments by mail, you'll need to take action soon to achieve a stress-free retirement and avoid interruptions.

Here's what you need to know about this upcoming transition and how to get ready.

What's changing?

Following a March 2025 executive order, all federal benefit payments must now be made electronically. That means paper checks will no longer be sent starting September 30. Going forward, benefits will be issued through direct deposit or a government-approved prepaid debit card.

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Who needs to make the switch?

If you're still receiving your Social Security payments by check, this rule applies to you. Nearly half a million people fall into this category, and all will be required to choose a digital payment method before the deadline.

Why this change is happening

The shift is part of a broader effort to reduce fraud, increase security, and improve efficiency. Paper checks can be delayed, lost, or stolen. Electronic payments offer a faster and safer way to receive funds. While a mailed check can take several business days to arrive, direct deposit puts money in your account on the scheduled payment day.

How you'll get your payments now

You'll need to choose one of the following two options:

Direct deposit: Your benefits go straight to your bank account each month.
Direct Express debit card: If you don't have a bank account, your funds can be loaded onto a government-issued prepaid debit card.

What to do next

To avoid any delays in receiving your payments, visit GoDirect.gov to sign up for digital payments. You'll need to provide your most current address and banking details. If you prefer, you can call the Social Security Administration or visit a local office for help with the process.

Is there a cost?

There's no fee to sign up for direct deposit or to get a Direct Express card. The card also has no monthly maintenance fee. However, there are a few small charges depending on how you use it:

$0.90 for using a non-Direct Express ATM
$0.90 for withdrawals at Walmart Money Centers
$1.50 to transfer money to a personal bank account
$4 for a replacement card
$13.50 for overnight card delivery
$3 plus 3% for international ATM withdrawals
3% for other international transactions
$0.75 for a monthly paper statement

How to get help

For more information or to troubleshoot any issues, visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. If you use TTY services, call 1-800-325-0778. Help is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

Bottom line

If you still receive your Social Security benefits by mail, now's the time to make the switch. Whether you choose direct deposit or the Direct Express card, setting up digital payments will help you receive your money safely and on time. The process is free and designed to make managing your benefits easier and more secure.

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Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.