2<\/p>\n Social Security will stop mailing paper checks after September 30 (stock)Credit: Getty 2<\/p>\n Social Security Administration insists electronic transfers are more secure than paper checks (stock)Credit: Getty<\/p>\n As of that date, Social Security<\/a> will no longer send checks by mail to most of its nearly 70 million recipients, instead encouraging everyone to opt for direct deposit or prepaid debit cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n Officials say the change is aimed at enhancing security and reducing costs after more than eight decades of using paper checks.<\/p>\n “We have been communicating directly with beneficiaries since July 1, and we have worked diligently to ensure that the less than one percent of individuals who receive paper checks have ample time to enroll,” a Social Security spokesperson told CBS News<\/a>.<\/p>\n The move comes under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump<\/a> in March, mandating federal agencies to phase out paper-based payments.<\/p>\n The Social Security Administration insists electronic transfers are more secure than paper checks, which it says are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen.<\/p>\n Checks also cost the government more to process – about 50 cents each, compared with 15 cents for electronic payments.<\/p>\n Beneficiaries who still receive paper checks<\/a> are being urged to switch immediately to avoid delays in their October benefits.<\/p>\n Direct deposit<\/a> can be set up through a personal \u201cmy Social Security\u201d account.<\/p>\n The agency has confirmed that Social Security technicians are on hand to assist with the transition and answer questions from the public.<\/p>\n Notices have also been sent to households still receiving paper checks to alert them of the looming change.<\/p>\n Americans have just weeks left to get $3k checks from $3.75m banking settlement \u2013 just show receipt and file online form<\/p>\n Temporary checks for new claims have already been discontinued, and anyone seeking an exemption must file a waiver with the US Treasury.<\/p>\n Officials stressed that in rare cases, paper checks will still be available for people with no other way to receive payments.<\/p>\n \u201cThe US Department of the Treasury will grant exceptions to the rule for qualifying circumstances,\u201d the agency spokesperson said.<\/p>\n Advocates for seniors have warned that many of the 600,000 people who still rely on checks are \u201cunbanked,\u201d meaning they do not have access to traditional bank<\/a> accounts.<\/p>\n Filing a waiver with the SSA<\/p>\n Those who cannot afford to pay back the overpayment amounts noted by the SSA or feel they should not have to can file a specific form.<\/p>\n According to Bankrate, 4.6 percent of Americans are unbanked, often relying instead on check-cashing services to manage their finances.<\/p>\n![\"Senior](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/seinor-woman-paying-bills-1026702058.jpg\")
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