What to know as SSA prepares to end paper checks for benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments starting September 30.

The switch to electronic payments marks the latest chapter in the agency’s “Digital First” initiative under the Trump administration. Roughly 72 million beneficiaries will receive more than $1.6 trillion in payments from the agency in 2025.

SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano told NewsNation, The Hill's sister network, that the switch won’t impact too many Americans.

“This transition primarily affects a small group of beneficiaries who have not yet switched to electronic payment methods. Less than one percent of beneficiaries currently get paper checks,” Bisignano said.

According to the Treasury Department, issuing a paper check costs about 50 cents, while an electronic f