Social Security ends paper checks for thousands Tuesday
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The Social Security Administration will no longer issue physical benefit checks as of Tuesday for the majority of retirees — ending decades of mailed payments.
Why it matters: Some retirees without digital access, and people with disabilities who rely on traditional banking, could face headaches in the transition.
- The shift is designed to modernize payments, cut costs and reduce fraud.
Catch up quick: In March, President Trump ordered the end of paper checks by Sept. 30, with payments moving to direct deposit, prepaid debit cards or other digital formats.
- In a Sept. 19 blog, Social Security urged anyone still getting paper checks to act by switching to electronic payment options before the change.
By the numbers: Nearly 400,000 people were still receiving paper checks in September, down from 456,000 in March, per Social Security Administration data.
- 99.4% of more than 69.5 million beneficiaries get direct deposit.
- Department of the Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer, per Trump's March executive order.
What they're saying: Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, said Monday that the policy will be "devastating" for disadvantaged Americans.
- "They lack the money to open bank accounts, maintain minimum balances, and pay bank fees," Altman said. "They may lack the mental ability to navigate the world in any way other than getting a paper check and immediately cashing it to pay for their most basic needs, including food and shelter."
How to switch to electronic Social Security payments
Zoom in: Here is what Social Security Administration advises:
- Direct deposit: This can be managed through my Social Security accounts online.
- Direct Express debit card: For those without a bank account, call 1-800-333-1795 or visit usdirectexpress.com.
- Phone help: Supplemental Security Income recipients and international beneficiaries can call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
How to get Social Security checks with waiver option
Yes, but: Paper checks will continue in very limited cases for those who qualify.
- Those who want an exemption must file a waiver with the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347.
- "If you have no other way to receive payments, we will continue to issue paper checks," Social Security said in its blog post. "There are no plans to pause any payments starting October 1."
