Social Security Paper Checks End Sept. 30

The U.S. Treasury has stopped issuing paper checks for most federal payments, including Social Security benefits, effective Sept. 30, 2025, as part of an administration effort to modernize payments, cut costs and reduce fraud. Officials say direct deposit, Direct Express debit cards and other digital options are cheaper and far less likely to be lost, stolen or altered, and that the vast majority of beneficiaries already receive electronic payments. VA benefits are exempt from the change. Advocates warn the move could burden people who lack bank accounts or rely on paper checks — noting hundreds of thousands still receive checks and millions of Americans lack bank accounts. The Social Security Administration is urging remaining paper recipients to switch via my Social Security, Direct Express, goDirect.gov or by phone to avoid interruptions.