Social certainty to terminate paper investigations on September 30 - here is how to receive benefits

Recipients of social security who still get their money per paper check do not have much time left. From Tuesday, September 30, the checks disappeared. According to USA Today, benefits will only be issued electronically. The change comes from an executive order signed in March 2025, which forced the federal agencies to stop relying on paper payments. The White House argued that postal investigations and money orders are slow, expensive and much more prone to fraud or theft than digital payments. The Social Security Administration has been reaching for people on paper for weeks and warns them to switch before the deadline. Options include direct deposit in a bank account or a prepaid debit card. Nick Perrine, the agency’s chief communications officer, told USA Today: “Electronic payments offer significant advantages over paper controls, including faster access to funds, increased security and greater ease. Payments are deposited directly into a bank account or a prepaid debit card, which is the need to wait for an email delivery or visit.” Temporary checks are also gone with the move, the SSA says it will no longer issue ‘temporary checks’ when processing new claims. That safety net is drawn. Anyone seeking an exemption should submit a waiver to the US Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347, USA Today. New plaintiffs are requested to have a bank account ready for direct deposit. SSA staff can help people set it up and answer questions, but the expectation is clear: The days of paper are over. Two ways to get beneficiaries benefits, whether they receive age, survivors or disability insurance (OASDI), will now have to choose one of the two options: Direct deposit: Management details via an online account of my Social Security. SSI recipients and international beneficiaries can call 1-800-772-1213 for support. Direct Express card: A prepaid debit card designed for people without bank accounts. To sign up, call 1-800-333-1795 or go to www.usdirecktexpress.com. The SSA says the move will speed up payments, make it more difficult to steal and reduce delays. For millions that have been waiting for checks in the mailbox for decades, September 30 is the end of an old routine – and the beginning of a fully digital system. Questions When do the paper controls for social security end? The last day for paper controls is September 30, after which all payments go electronically. Why is social security digital? The change follows an executive order of 2025 aimed at cutting costs, delays and fraud. Which options replace paper controls? Beneficiaries can select direct deposit or the Direct Express Prosper Paid Debit Card. Can I request an exemption from electronic payments? Yes, you must contact the US Treasury at 1-877-874-6347 to submit a waiver.