Social Security payments for March 2025 were made on time without delays for nearly 70 million beneficiaries, including those receiving retirement benefits, SSI, SSDI, or survivor benefits. Many beneficiaries receive their payments electronically, which are automatically deposited into their bank accounts, making it easier for them to access their funds promptly.
However, if you are one of the few who still receives your payments via paper checks, you may soon face a significant change.
Goodbye to Paper Checks for Social Security Benefits
On March 25, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order that will phase out paper checks for all federal payments, including Social Security benefits. Starting September 30, 2025, the government will stop sending physical checks for any federal payments, including Social Security, tax refunds, and payments to suppliers.
The reason for this shift to electronic payments is that paper checks are expensive, slow, and more prone to fraud. In 2024, maintaining the check system cost more than $657 million.
Currently, around 456,000 Social Security beneficiaries (0.7% of the total) still receive paper checks. If you’re one of them, there’s no need to panic, but you’ll need to switch to digital payments soon.
Exceptions to the New Rule
There are some exceptions to this rule. If you don’t have access to banking services, are in an emergency situation, or electronic payments would cause significant difficulties, you can request an exemption.
The Secretary of the Treasury can approve exceptions based on your situation. If you live in a remote area without internet or banks, or if you have difficulty adapting to technology, you may qualify for this exception. But remember, this will not be automatic—you’ll need to prove your situation.
Why the Change? The Benefits of Going Digital
The White House argues that the shift to electronic payments is beneficial for everyone. Here’s why:
- Faster Payments: Direct deposit transfers funds instantly, while checks can get lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Lower Costs: The government will save millions on paper, ink, and shipping.
- Less Fraud: Paper checks are 16 times more prone to fraud than electronic transfers.
However, for some, especially older adults or people living in rural areas, adjusting to this change might be challenging. This is where exceptions come in, but you’ll have to request them and prove your eligibility.
What to Do if You Still Receive Social Security by Paper Check
If you are still receiving paper checks, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Read the notices you get from Social Security or the Treasury Department. You will be contacted soon to help with the transition to electronic payments.
- If you believe you qualify for an exemption, be ready to provide documentation (e.g., living in a remote area with no access to banks or internet).
- Switch to digital: You can choose direct deposit or government-issued prepaid cards. Do some research to find the best option for you.
April 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
The April 2025 Social Security payments will be sent based on birth dates, with several important dates to note:
- April 3, 2025: Payments for those who started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 will be made.
- April 9, 2025: Payments for those who started receiving benefits after April 1997 and were born between 1st and 10th of any month.
- April 16, 2025 (adjusted): Payments for those born between 11th and 20th of any month. Since Emancipation Day is on April 16, the payment will be made a day earlier, on April 15, 2025.
- April 23, 2025: Payments for those born between 21st and 31st of any month.