Social Security Administration stops paper checks in October
The Social Security Administration will discontinue mailing paper checks for benefits starting October 2024, requiring all recipients to use direct deposit instead. This permanent change affects retirement, disability, survivors benefits, and Supplemental Security Income payments. Over 99% of beneficiaries already receive payments electronically, making the transition smooth for most.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that it will no longer issue paper checks for monthly benefits beginning in October 2024. This shift to fully electronic payments aims to modernize the system, reduce administrative costs, and ensure faster delivery amid potential disruptions like natural disasters.
Historically, the SSA has encouraged electronic payments since the 1970s, when direct deposit became available. Today, more than 99.9% of the over 70 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients already use direct deposit or other electronic methods, such as the Direct Express debit card. The remaining few who rely on paper checks—about 400,000 people—must enroll in direct deposit to avoid payment interruptions.
"We are committed to providing secure and timely payments to the millions of Americans who count on Social Security," said SSA spokesperson Michelle King. The agency emphasizes that paper checks can be lost, stolen, or delayed, particularly in areas hit by events like hurricanes or floods. Electronic payments, by contrast, are deposited directly into bank accounts or prepaid cards, often arriving on the scheduled date.
To sign up, beneficiaries can visit GoDirect.gov, a secure government website, or call the U.S. Treasury's hotline at 800-333-1795. The process requires providing bank routing and account numbers, and it's available in multiple languages. For those without bank accounts, the Direct Express card offers an alternative without fees for basic use.
This change aligns with broader federal efforts to digitize government services. The SSA estimates it will save millions in printing and mailing costs annually. However, advocates for low-income seniors note that some elderly or rural recipients may need assistance navigating the enrollment process, urging the agency to provide robust support.
The policy applies nationwide and is irreversible, marking the end of an era for paper Social Security checks that began in 1940. Beneficiaries should act soon to ensure uninterrupted payments, as the SSA will not mail checks after September 2024.