Paper Social Security Checks Coming to an End

Tucson, AZ (KVOA) — Starting September 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury will stop issuing paper checks for most federal benefit programs, including Social Security, to cut costs and reduce fraud, as mandated by an executive order from President Donald Trump.

Recipients must switch to direct deposit for electronic payments, which cost 15 cents per transaction compared to 50 cents for checks. Veterans Affairs benefits are exempt, with over 97% already electronic.

Fewer than 1% of Social Security recipients use checks, but those without bank accounts—about 5.6 million Americans—face challenges.

They can enroll in direct deposit via the agency, call 800-967-6857, or visit godirect.gov.

The FDIC’s GetBanked tool helps find accounts without minimum deposits. Consumer groups note electronic pay