Social Security plans to end paper benefit checks nationwide in 2026

The Social Security Administration plans to complete the nationwide transition from paper benefit checks to electronic payments during 2026, covering Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. The agency said federal law and Executive Order 14247 require federal benefits to be paid electronically. As of Aug. 8, the transition was still ongoing.

People who receive paper checks are being directed to enroll in direct deposit or use the Direct Express card. The Treasury Department accepts waiver requests from beneficiaries who cannot make the transition. SSA directs recipients seeking help to use a my Social Security account or visit GoDirect.gov.

Why the change is happening

SSA said paper checks are 16 times more likely than electronic payments to be lost, stolen, altered or returned as undeliverable. The agency also said printing a check costs an average of $3.07, while electronic payments are approximately 20 times less expensive.

SSA’s notice does not set a single final cutoff date for every recipient. People still receiving paper checks may need to change their payment arrangements to help avoid delays or disruptions to Social Security or SSI payments. The next step is for affected beneficiaries to enroll electronically or request a waiver if they qualify.