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GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years<\/strong> Trusted by<\/strong> The Social Security<\/a> Administration (SSA) announced a big change to the program starting Sept. 30, 2025 \u2014 but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not a cut to benefits. Instead, that\u2019s the day that the SSA will stop issuing paper checks. This shift to completely digital payments isn\u2019t meant to inconvenience beneficiaries; rather, it\u2019s a huge cost-saving move on the part of the government.<\/p>\n Regardless of the reasoning behind it, you\u2019ll need to prepare for it. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to know about the historic shift<\/a>.<\/p>\n What Do Beneficiaries Need To Do?<\/p>\n Although a seismic shift in terms of transitioning from old ways to new, very few beneficiaries will actually be affected by the switch to electronic payments. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n According to the SSA<\/a>, less than 1% of beneficiaries currently receive paper checks<\/a>, which is a staggeringly small percentage. Nonetheless, with nearly 74 million Americans<\/a> receiving benefits, that still amounts to almost three-quarters of a million recipients. <\/p>\n To make a smooth transition and ensure they don\u2019t miss out on any payments, those beneficiaries will have to switch to one of two electronic payment methods, per the SSA<\/a>:<\/p>\n Answers to Common Questions<\/p>\n Change can be uncomfortable for many, particularly when it comes to handling money. The SSA understands this and offers these helpful answers to questions beneficiaries may have regarding the change:<\/p>\n \u2018I Don\u2019t Trust or Use the Internet\u2019<\/p>\n Although the internet can be helpful, if you\u2019re uncomfortable with it, you can still get your payments. As the SSA points out, electronic deposits do not require internet use. If you go the direct deposit<\/a> route, you can visit your local bank teller to get your money without using the internet. With the Direct Express\u00ae card, you can simply use it like a debit or ATM card, no internet necessary.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s Too Complicated To Set Up\u2019<\/p>\n There are four simple ways you can set up your electronic transfer:<\/p>\n \u2018I Need Help Managing My Money\u2019<\/p>\n You may want to work with a trusted family member or financial advisor when it comes to managing your money. But the electronic deposit process should make budgeting and planning easier. <\/p>\n With a paper check, you have to wait to receive it in the mail, hoping it is not delayed or lost, and then go visit your bank and make the deposit, in some cases waiting for the check to clear. With electronic deposits, your money comes in on the same day every month, automatically appearing in your account with no hassle.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n What\u2019s the Upside?<\/p>\n According to the SSA, there are four major benefits to using electronic payments:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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