The Social Security Administration will continue to send some paper checks to beneficiaries of the retirement program, reversing its recently announced plan to move all social security payments to electronic deposits beginning in the fall, according to media reports and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Warren (D-Mass.) said on Wednesday, July 23, that SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano agreed to continue to issuing paper checks for those who are unable to receive payments otherwise.
A spokesperson for the SSA confirmed to CBS MoneyWatch and finance outlet Kiplinger it would continue to issue paper checks to certain beneficiaries, including those who receive retirement and disability benefits. The SSA added it would emphasize the advantages of using electronic transfers and encourage recipients to switch away from paper checks.
The SSA did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s requests for comment.
The agency first announced its plans to move away from paper checks on July 14 as part of an effort to modernize its systems and improve service delivery.
Here’s what you need to know.
How many beneficiaries receive paper checks?
The SSA said less than 1% of beneficiaries have yet to switch to electronic payment methods and still receive paper checks. But with over 74 million people receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or both in June 2025, dropping paper checks would potentially impact hundreds of thousands of Americans.
About 4.2% of of U.S. households lacked a bank or credit union account in 2023, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Bankrate reported one reason why some people are “underbanked” is because they believe they don’t earn enough to open an account. Those who are underbanked also cited concerns about fees, privacy or general distrust of banks.
How to switch to electronic payments
Social Security beneficiaries can switch from paper checks to electronic payments online through their My Social Security account.
The agency has technicians available to support those who need tech support Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. ET.
Why is the Social Security Administration pushing for electronic payments?
The SSA said switching from paper checks to electronic payments minimizes delays in payments and reduces the risk of fraud.
Citing the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the SSA said electronic payments cost roughly 35 cents less than paper checks, essentially saving the federal government millions of dollars annually.
The agency added that the transition away from paper checks provides a safer and more secure method to receive benefits, saying paper checks are 16 times more likely to be either lost or stolen.
CONTRIBUTING: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can you still receive paper Social Security checks? What to know