Paper Checks for Social Security and VA Benefits to End September 30, 2025

Paper checks for federal benefits are scheduled to end on September 30, 2025. If you still receive monthly Social Security or Veterans Affairs payments by mail, you will need to switch to an electronic method to avoid delays or interruptions.

This change aims to move all federal disbursements to faster, more secure electronic payments. You have two main options: direct deposit to a bank or credit union account, or the Treasury-issued Direct Express® debit card for federal benefits. Consult an SSDI attorney if you want help planning next steps.

What is Changing and Who is Affected?

The U.S. Treasury plans to end most federal paper checks after September 30, 2025. This includes Social Security and VA benefit checks, with limited exceptions or hardship waivers. Agencies have begun outreach to remaining paper-check recipients to support a smooth transition and reduce missed payments.

Options for Paper-Check Recipients

Direct deposit is available by providing a bank routing number and account number, allowing payments to be received electronically on payday. For individuals without a bank or credit union account, the Treasury’s Direct Express® prepaid debit card provides receipt and spending of benefits without check-cashing fees. A narrow hardship waiver may be available when electronic payment is not feasible; guidance should be requested from the paying agency if qualification is believed to apply.

The Social Security Administration is moving remaining check recipients to electronic payments and has published transition information for beneficiaries and advocates. The VA continues to encourage Veterans to enroll in direct deposit and has been pushing holdouts to switch ahead of the federal deadline. Both agencies emphasize speed, security, and fewer lost or stolen checks.

How To Switch Now (And Avoid Problems)

If you still need to make the switch, please review the following:

• Gather information. Have your bank routing and account numbers, or be ready to enroll for a Direct Express® card.
• Update your payment method. Contact the SSA or VA to set direct deposit or the card option on your record.
• Confirm the change. Watch for a confirmation letter or online notice. Keep your mailing address current in case the agency needs to reach you.
• Beware of scams. Government staff will not ask for your password or demand payment to “process” a switch. Verify any request using official phone numbers.

Save letters, screenshots, and call notes regarding this switch. If a payment did not arrive, report it to your agency immediately and keep a log of contacts. We may help you organize records, communicate with the agency, and address knock-on issues after a crash or disabling injury that made this transition harder to manage.

Talk with an SSDI or VA Benefits Attorney Once Paper Checks End on September 30, 2025

If you need help protecting your benefits while recovering from an injury or disability, we can review your situation and outline practical next steps. Paper checks for Social Security and VA Benefits are ending on September 30. We aim to maintain clear communication and organized timelines to ensure you understand what to do and when to do it.

Call Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law for a consultation. We could help you switch safely to electronic payments and address any claim issues that arise during the transition.