Hailey
Good news for non-digital beneficiaries: while the federal government is pushing hard toward electronic Social Security payments, paper checks will not disappear entirely after 2025.
Treasury’s electronic-payment mandate remains in force, but waivers—for people who truly cannot use direct deposit or a benefit debit card—mean checks will continue beyond 2025 in narrowly defined situations.
What changed—and what didn’t
Beginning in late 2025, the government phased out routine paper checks for most federal benefits and emphasized Direct Deposit and the Direct Express® prepaid card.
The aim is to speed up delivery, reduce theft, and lower processing costs. That policy remains, but Treasury explicitly allows exceptions via its waiver process, so eligible beneficiaries can still receive a paper check after 2025.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirms the move to electronic payments and advises people who believe they qualify for an exemption to apply for a waiver through the U.S. Treasury. SSA staff can help beneficiaries with the transition and with waiver steps.
How many people are affected?
Social Security reaches roughly 74.5 million people (OASDI + SSI combined). The vast majority already receive benefits electronically; a relatively small share require exceptions.
Electronic options include Direct Deposit to a bank/credit union and Direct Express®, which served millions of beneficiaries heading into 2025.
Quick guide- Getting (or keeping) a paper check after 2025
| Item | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Default rule | Electronic payments are required for federal benefits. Paper checks are no longer the norm. |
| Who can still get checks | People who qualify for a waiver (for example, no access to banking or electronic options, or specific hardship circumstances) may continue receiving paper checks. |
| How to request a waiver | Submit Form 1201W (“Request for Payment of Federal Benefits by Check”) to Treasury with a hardship explanation. |
| Help & phone numbers | Treasury Waiver Line: 1-855-290-1545. SSA staff can assist with the process. |
| If you can use electronic pay | Choose Direct Deposit or Direct Express® for faster, safer payments and fewer mail delays. |
| SSA internal change | SSA no longer issues “temporary checks” during claims processing; use electronic methods or request a waiver if eligible. |
Why electronic is still encouraged
- Speed & reliability: Funds arrive on time even during postal disruptions.
- Security: Electronic payments reduce mail theft risk and provide federal protections for benefit accounts.
- Access without a bank: The Direct Express® card gives unbanked beneficiaries a no-fee way to receive and use funds each month.
Who should consider a waiver?
If you lack access to banking, live in an area with limited digital infrastructure, or face a documented hardship that prevents electronic payments, you can apply for the waiver.
The rules make clear that exceptions remain in place specifically for these cases.
Steps to take now
- Evaluate options: If you can use Direct Deposit or Direct Express®, switch to avoid delays.
- If you need checks: Complete Form 1201W and call the Treasury Waiver Line to request a paper-check waiver. Keep copies of your submission.
- Ask for help: Contact SSA for assistance or to troubleshoot problems during the transition.
The bottom line: Social Security isn’t eliminating paper checks entirely after 2025.
The default is electronic payment, but Treasury’s waiver process ensures paper checks remain available for beneficiaries who truly cannot use digital methods.
If that’s you, apply for a waiver; otherwise, switching to Direct Deposit or Direct Express® will likely mean faster, safer, and more reliable monthly benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paper Social Security checks ending after 2025?
No—while they’re no longer routine, paper checks continue in limited waiver cases for people who cannot use electronic payments.
How do I qualify to keep getting a paper check?
You must request and receive a waiver from Treasury showing you lack access to electronic options or have another qualifying hardship. Use Form 1201W.
What are my electronic options if I don’t have a bank account?
You can use the Direct Express® prepaid debit card to receive benefits electronically without a bank account.