Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) face a critical deadline. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is phasing out paper checks, with the final cutoff set for September 30, 2025. If you haven’t switched to electronic payments by this date, your vital payments could be suspended.
This change is part of the “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account” initiative. The goal is to make payments more efficient, secure, and cost-effective. You can now choose from several options for receiving your payments, including:
Direct deposit to a bank or savings account
Direct Express prepaid card
Digital wallets like PayPal or Venmo
The SSA expects to save almost $1 billion over the next decade by switching to electronic payments. This is because printing and mailing paper checks cost much more (around $1.00 per check) compared to $0.10 for electronic payments. The move will also help reduce fraud.
Who Will Be Affected by This Change?
As of July 2025, around 493,775 people—about 8.7% of all beneficiaries—still receive their payments via paper checks. This includes individuals on Social Security, SSDI, and SSI. If you are in this group, the SSA urges you to switch to an electronic payment method as soon as possible to avoid missing your payments.
The change can be made easily online through your “My Social Security” account, by phone, or by visiting a local SSA office. The SSA is stressing that they don’t want anyone to miss payments due to paperwork delays.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, there are limited exceptions for individuals who face extreme hardship, lack bank access, or have national security needs. However, these will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Treasury Department and SSA. The main rule is: switch to electronic payments or face suspension.
Advocates are concerned that some vulnerable groups, such as seniors and those without reliable internet access, might have trouble making the switch. The SSA is encouraging those facing difficulties to get help from local advocates or SSA representatives.
SSDI Payment Dates for July 2025
In the middle of this transition, July 2025 payments for SSDI recipients will follow the usual birthdate-based payment schedule. Here’s when you can expect your payment:
Wednesday, July 3: Beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997
Wednesday, July 9: Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month
Wednesday, July 16: Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th
Wednesday, July 23: Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
SSI recipients already received their payments on July 1st.
How Much Will You Receive in 2025?
The 2025 payments include a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Here’s how much you can expect:
SSI: The federal maximum is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. These amounts might be lower if you receive other forms of assistance like housing or food aid. Some states also add supplements.
SSDI: The average payment is around $1,580 per month, with most recipients getting between $1,200 and $2,000. The maximum payment for SSDI recipients can go up to $4,018 per month (for workers retiring at full retirement age). Note: The figure of $5,108 floating around is incorrect based on SSA data.
Act Now to Avoid Payment Suspension
The September 30, 2025 deadline is approaching quickly. If you haven’t made the switch to electronic payments yet, now is the time to do so.
The SSA is pushing for beneficiaries to confirm their payment method using the “My Social Security” website. If you need help making the change or believe you qualify for an exemption, contact the SSA or local advocates immediately.
This move to electronic payments will bring long-term benefits, but only if you act fast. If you miss the deadline, your payments could be suspended, and you don’t want that to happen.