Social Security has halted a big change to payments in the U.S. - but the plan is still in its sights
There has been some confusion over the Social Security Administration’s recent announcement of a change to benefits payments.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is understood to have rowed back on its recent pledge to stop sending out paper benefits checks.
However, it appears the U.S. government agency remains intent on encouraging any Americans who still get their Social Security benefits by physical check to switch over to electronic payments.
SSA announces paperless plan after Trump executive order
In a statement published on its website three weeks ago, the SSA said it would be moving to an electronic payments-only system as of September 30, 2025.
The announcement came after the U.S. president, Donald Trump, signed an executive order in late March that directed the federal government to cease sending out paper checks “for all disbursements”.
On July 14, the SSA said of its plan to scrap paper checks: “This change is part of a broader government-wide initiative to modernize payment systems and enhance service delivery.
“By moving to electronic payments exclusively, we aim to improve efficiency, security, and ensure beneficiaries receive their monthly benefits promptly.”
But a week after the announcement, the Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren revealed that she had persuaded the SSA’s commissioner, Frank Bisignano, not to get rid of paper checks after all.
Paper checks to “remain an option”
“Commissioner Bisignano [has] backtracked, confirming that paper checks will remain an option for beneficiaries who need them," Senator Warren said.
The elimination of paper checks “would significantly disrupt services for some of the most vulnerable Americans”, she added.
Social Security still eager to phase out paper checks
The SSA subsequently confirmed the U-turn in an email to the seniors association Kiplinger, but said it will “continue to drive down” the number of Social Security beneficiaries who are still paid by paper check.
The agency said it would be “proactively communicating with beneficiaries about the advantages of enrolling in e-payments and the process for doing so”.
In its July 14 statement, the SSA said the overwhelming majority of the U.S.’s more than 70 million Social Security beneficiaries have already switched to electronic payments.
“Less than one percent” still receive paper checks, the agency revealed.
What are the alternative options to paper checks?
The SSA, whose entitlement programs include retirement benefits, disability insurance and survivor pay, offers its recipients two forms of electronic payment.
- Direct deposit
Beneficiaries can receive their money by direct deposit, by providing the agency with their bank details. You can supply the agency with this payment information on the “my Social Security” online portal.
- Special debit card
Alternatively, Social Security recipients can have their benefits loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a federal-payment debit card for people without a bank account.
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