The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to completely stop sending paper checks for benefits by the end of 2026. The change is part of the federal government’s plan to move all benefit payments to electronic methods.
The move comes after an executive order signed by the US President Donald Trump in March 2025 that required federal benefit payments to be made electronically. Federal law and Executive Order 14247 require federal benefits to be paid electronically. The government says the change is being made to improve efficiency, lower costs, and make payments more secure.
Social Security paper checks end
As of June 2026, fewer than 1% of Social Security beneficiaries were still receiving paper checks. The agency is encouraging the remaining beneficiaries who still receive checks to switch to electronic payments as soon as possible. SSA said electronic payments help people receive their money faster and more securely every month.
SSA official notice says, paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or returned as undeliverable compared to electronic payments. SSA says switching now can help beneficiaries avoid payment delays and reduce the risk of fraud. The government also expects to save millions of dollars each year after paper checks are eliminated, according to the Treasury Department.
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Electronic payments save money
Treasury data shows the average cost of printing and processing a paper check has risen to $3.07 per check. The agency said printing a paper check costs about 20 times more than sending an automated electronic payment. Because of these higher costs, officials believe ending paper checks will significantly reduce government spending.
SSA confirmed that paper checks will no longer be issued for Social Security benefit payments by the end of this year. Beneficiaries who still receive checks can switch to electronic payments through their personal my Social Security account. Users need to sign in or create a my Social Security account and add their bank account information for direct deposit.
How to get direct deposit
Beneficiaries can also ask their bank or financial institution to send direct deposit information directly to Social Security electronically. For people who do not have a bank account, benefits can still be received electronically through the Direct Express prepaid debit card program.
The Direct Express program allows Social Security payments to be loaded onto a prepaid debit card instead of being sent by paper check. SSA says the program is designed to help people who do not use traditional banking services. The agency has support technicians available on weekdays to help beneficiaries who need assistance switching to electronic payments.
Waiver for special cases
SSA said it wants the transition to be as smooth as possible for seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals who have limited access to banking services. The agency also recognizes that some beneficiaries may face difficulties making the switch. People who cannot move to electronic payments because of special circumstances may be able to request a waiver from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Examples of situations that may qualify for an exception include certain mental health challenges or living in remote areas without access to financial institutions. Beneficiaries who believe they qualify for an exception can contact the Treasury Department’s Electronic Payment Solution Center to discuss their options.