INDIANA — The era of the paper Social Security check is officially drawing to a close. Under federal law and Executive Order 14247, federal benefits must now be paid electronically. To cut costs, boost efficiency, and harden security, the Department of the Treasury is systematically phasing out paper checks, with the Social Security Administration planning to complete the full transition for all beneficiaries this year.
If you are one of the remaining beneficiaries still receiving your monthly payments by mail, federal officials urge you to make the switch immediately.
The push toward a 100% digital payment system comes down to three main factors: security, cost, and speed.
- Security: According to data from the Treasury, paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or returned as undeliverable compared to electronic deposits. Moving online virtually eliminates the risk of mail theft and check fraud.
- Cost Savings: Printing and mailing checks has become a massive taxpayer burden. The average cost to print a single check has climbed to $3.07—making paper roughly 20 times more expensive to process than an electronic transfer. Phasing them out is projected to save the federal government millions of dollars annually.
- Speed: Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) route directly into your account, ensuring payments arrive reliably on the exact same date every single month without mail delays.
How to Switch to Electronic Payments
The government is offering two primary ways to receive your benefits digitally. You can choose the option that best fits your financial situation:
Option 1: Direct Deposit (If you have a bank account)
- Log in to or create your personal my Social Security account online.
- Manually input your routing and account numbers to link your direct deposit.
- Alternative: You can ask your bank or credit union to securely transmit your direct deposit information to the Social Security Administration on your behalf.
Option 2: Direct Express® Prepaid Card (If you do not have a bank account)
If you do not use traditional banking, you can still comply with the federal mandate by enrolling in the Direct Express® program. Your monthly benefits will be pre-loaded onto a prepaid debit card. To sign up, visit GoDirect.gov or call 1-800-967-6857.
Hardship Waivers Available
While officials are committed to making this transition seamless for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and unbanked managers, they acknowledge that a digital-only system presents hurdles for some.
If you face severe challenges—such as specific mental health concerns or living in a highly remote geographical area without access to physical financial institutions—you may request a formal waiver through the U.S. Treasury to continue receiving paper checks.
