Social Security Paper Checks End Sept. 30: How to Switch to Direct Deposit

Starting on September 30, 2025, the federal government will no longer send paper checks for benefit payments. That means if you or a member of your ohana receives benefit payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA)—such as Social Security Retirement, Supplemental Income, Disability or Old Age insurance payment or benefit payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—you’ll need to sign up for electronic payments before the deadline. 

Will The Change to Electronic Payments Affect My Benefits?

No, the only change is how you’ll receive your funds—your benefit payment will be delivered electronically instead of by paper check. Your benefits or the amount of your benefit payment will not be affected in any way by this change. 

Which Benefit Programs Will Switch to Electronic Payments?

The following federal benefit programs will stop sending paper checks starting on September 30, 2025:

• Social Security Retirement Benefits
• Social Security Survivor Benefits
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Old-age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI)
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

What Are My Electronic Payment Options?

If you’re currently receiving paper checks from the SSA and/or VA, you can choose one of two ways to receive your benefit payment. With direct deposit, your benefit payment will be paid directly into your checking or savings account. If you don’t have a checking or savings account, you can request a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®.

How to Enroll in Direct Deposit

Direct deposit offers greater safety and convenience, with your funds automatically deposited into your account on your scheduled day. No waiting, no standing in line at the bank. Here are four easy ways to enroll in direct deposit:

• Sign up for an account or update your payment preference on my Social Security
• Enroll at Go Direct
• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
• Visit your local SSA office

What If You Don’t Have a Bank Account?

If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to receive your benefit payments with Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®. It’s a debit card sponsored by the U. S. Department of Treasury and works just like a prepaid card. To enroll, call 1-877-874-6347 or visit Go Direct.

Are Electronic Payments Better Than Paper Checks?

Electronic payments can make it safer and more convenient to receive Social Security, SSI, SSDI, OASID or VA benefit payments—especially for kupuna and disabled persons. There’s no need to worry about lost or late checks, and your funds will be in your bank account on your scheduled day—without a trip to the bank.

Are There Exceptions to the Electronic Payment Requirement?

Yes, Treasury grants exceptions to the electronic payment requirement for specific circumstances. Treasury will grant an exception when:

• the beneficiary or recipient was born prior to May 1, 1921 and currently receives payment by check, or
• the payment is not eligible for direct deposit to a Direct Express prepaid debit card account, or
• the beneficiary or recipient’s Direct Express debit card has been suspended or cancelled.

Treasury may also consider if switching to electronic payments will cause the recipient undue hardship. Below are two examples of how Treasury may grant an exemption when a beneficiary or recipient requests an exemption from the electronic funds transfer (EFT) requirement and the beneficiary or recipient:

• has a mental impairment that prevents him or her from handling their payments electronically and he or she is not assisted by a representative payee.
• lives in a remote geographic location that does not have the infrastructure necessary to receive payments electronically.

If you’d like to apply for an exemption to the electronic payment requirement, fill out this waiver and contact the Treasury Department at 1-800-967-5042.

Get Started with Direct Deposit

Using direct deposit is as simple as set it and forget it. Whether you’re signing up to receive your government benefit payments or your paycheck, it’s easy.

To sign up for direct deposit for your SSA and VA benefit payments, visit the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solutions Center at https://godirect.gov/gpw/ or call 1-877-874-6347, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

To enroll your paycheck in direct deposit, download our Bank of Hawaii Direct Deposit Form, fill it out, and turn it in to your employer.