Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that could significantly impact how more than 485,000 Americans receive their Social Security benefits — and it’s a change coming sooner than many might expect.
With his second term in full swing, President Trump is continuing to push for what his administration calls a “modernization of federal benefit delivery.” In his latest move, announced in an executive order issued on March 25, the administration will end the distribution of paper checks for all federal payments — including Social Security — starting September 30, 2025.
Why This Social Security Change Matters
While the vast majority of Social Security beneficiaries — over 99% — already receive their payments via direct deposit, nearly 486,000 individuals still rely on physical checks. Many of these recipients are elderly or live in rural areas where access to banking services is limited. For this group, the upcoming change could introduce complications if proactive steps aren’t taken.
According to the U.S. Treasury, the shift to fully digital payments aims to reduce fraud, cut costs, and streamline the payment system. The executive order claims that managing paper check infrastructure and converting paper records cost the federal government more than $657 million in fiscal year 2024.
However, the details on how exceptions will be handled remain unclear. The order suggests that Americans who can’t access electronic payments may still be eligible to receive paper checks — but no clear guidance has yet been issued on how these exemptions will be determined or applied for.
What You Should Do If You Still Receive Paper Checks
If you’re one of the nearly half a million Social Security beneficiaries who still receive paper checks, it’s important to act now:
Set up a bank account: If you don’t already have one, opening a checking or savings account will help ensure a smooth transition to direct deposit.
Register for “my Social Security”: Create an account at SSA.gov to securely enter your banking information and switch to direct deposit.
Use SSA support: You can also make changes by calling the Social Security Administration or visiting a local SSA office. Under the Trump administration’s new directive, direct deposit updates now process within one business day.
If you’re unable to open a bank account, it’s crucial to reach out to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible to inquire about alternative options or a potential exemption process. As of now, no official application method for exemptions has been announced, but updates are expected closer to the implementation date.
What’s Next for Social Security Beneficiaries?
This executive order is just one of several recent adjustments to Social Security procedures under the Trump administration. Earlier changes this year included faster processing for account updates and revised application guidelines aimed at reducing fraud and streamlining benefit access.
Still, this move to eliminate paper checks marks one of the most sweeping changes in the program’s recent history — and with a firm deadline of September 30, time is of the essence for those who may be affected.
With no signs of reversal, beneficiaries should stay informed, monitor official communications from the SSA, and take any necessary steps well ahead of the cutoff date.