Still getting a paper check? How to switch to electronic payment
Use the tool: This month's payment dates. Find the exact day your money arrives.
The U.S. Treasury stopped issuing paper checks for most federal payments on September 30, 2025. If you still get Social Security or SSI by check, switch to direct deposit into a bank or credit union account, or to a Direct Express debit card if you don't have a bank account. You can switch through your my Social Security account, at GoDirect.gov, by calling the Treasury's enrollment line on 1-877-874-6347, or by calling Social Security on 1-800-772-1213.
Your two choices
Direct deposit. Your payment goes straight into your bank or credit union account on your payment day. The Treasury says checks are over 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered or delayed than electronic payments.
Direct Express card. A Treasury-sponsored debit card for people without a bank account. Your payment is loaded onto the card each month. There's no credit check, no monthly fee and no minimum balance, and you can use it in shops or to take out cash.
How to switch to direct deposit
You'll need your bank's routing number, your account number, and whether it's a checking or savings account. Then use any of these:
- Online: in your my Social Security account, or at GoDirect.gov, the Treasury's sign-up site.
- By phone: the Treasury's Electronic Payment Solution Center on 1-877-874-6347, or Social Security on 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- At your bank: many banks can sign you up for you.
If you don't have a bank account, the FDIC's GetBanked page and MyCreditUnion.gov explain how to open one.
How to get a Direct Express card
Call the Treasury's Electronic Payment Solution Center on 1-877-874-6347, which GoDirect.gov lists for Direct Express sign-ups. You can also ask Social Security to set it up.
How long it takes
The switch can take one or two payment cycles. You may get one or more paper checks in the meantime. Cash them as usual; you won't be paid twice.
If you really can't switch
Electronic payment is required for federal benefits, but SSA says that in extremely rare circumstances the Treasury may grant an exception. If you think this applies to you, contact Social Security.
If you still get checks and need to change your mailing address, SSA may ask you to prove your identity at an office first, unless you can use its online services.
Beware of scams
Scammers use the move away from checks as an excuse to call people. The Treasury advises that before you respond to any request, you check it by contacting the agency on a website or phone number you know is real. Switching is free: Direct Express, for example, has no cost to sign up. Anyone asking you for a fee to switch is not from the government.
Sources
- U.S. Treasury, Federal government will phase out paper checks
- Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Paper checks are going away
- Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Direct Express
- Go Direct, Home and Community organizations
- Social Security Administration, Direct deposit
- Social Security Administration, What to know about proving your identity
Next step: This month's payment dates.