Still Getting a Paper Social Security Check? Here’s How to Switch to Electronic Payment

According to the Social Security Administration, federal law requires all federal benefit payments, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), to be made electronically. People who currently receive these payments by paper check must switch to an electronic payment option.

This is not a new 2026 rule or a newly announced deadline. It is an existing requirement.

People who still receive Social Security or SSI payments by paper check.

If your payment already goes into a bank account or onto a Direct Express® card, you do not need to take action because of this requirement.

Now. The official Social Security and Treasury pages do not identify an upcoming deadline.

Social Security lists two ways to receive payments electronically:

• Direct deposit into an existing bank account
• A Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®

Social Security says paper checks are more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments, and that with direct deposit you do not need to pay any fees to cash your checks.

Use only the official options below.

1. 1

   If you still get a paper check, choose an electronic option.

   Pick direct deposit to a bank account, or a Direct Express® debit card.

2. 2

   Sign up through an official channel.

   You can use your my Social Security account, Treasury’s Go Direct® website (GoDirect.gov), or call 1-877-874-6347. You can also call Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795, or Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you prefer, you can enroll in person at your bank or credit union.

3. 3

   No bank account? Learn how to open one.

   The FDIC’s GetBanked website explains how to open an account at an FDIC-insured bank.

4. 4

   If electronic payment truly is not possible, ask about a waiver.

   Social Security says Treasury may grant exceptions only in extremely rare circumstances. To learn more or request a waiver, call Treasury at 1-855-290-1545, or print and fill out the waiver form and return it to the address on the form.

5. 5

   Use only official government contact information.

   Look up websites and phone numbers yourself, such as those on this page, instead of using contact details given to you by someone who reached out unexpectedly.

• This is about how your payment is delivered, not about the Social Security or SSI benefit itself.
• It is not a new 2026 rule or a new deadline.
• You do not need to act if you already receive payments electronically.

1. CURRENT

   Now

   Social Security and Treasury state that federal benefit payments must be made electronically. People still receiving paper checks must switch.

Official websites:

• Social Security Administration — Direct Deposit (ssa.gov)
• U.S. Department of the Treasury — Direct Deposit (fiscal.treasury.gov)
• Treasury’s Go Direct® enrollment (godirect.gov)
• FDIC GetBanked — How to open a bank account (fdic.gov)