Social Security Administration: No Longer Issuing Paper Checks

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is no longer going to be issuing paper checks to beneficiaries beginning September 30, 2025. The SSA is reaching out to those who still receive paper checks and encouraging them to switch to electronic payment before the September 30, 2025 deadline.

You may request an exemption from the electronic payment requirement by filing a waiver with the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-800-967-5042. 

You may receive your federal benefit payments electronically via direct deposit to a checking or savings account or via the Direct Express Card which is essentially a prepaid debit card that is issued by Comerica Bank. We recommend using direct deposit to a checking and savings account with a financial institution of your choosing.

• To manage direct deposit information and benefit details you will use a my Social Security online account.

  • You may have to call the SSA to manage direct deposit information via phone if you are unable to do so online.

• If you have not set up an online account, it is important that you do.  With an online account you are easily able to track your benefits, manage personal information, protect against identity theft, and have easy access to notices that may have been sent to you regarding your benefits.

Center for Elder Law & Justice is available to assist you with setting up your online account. Please see below for upcoming in person clinics where you will have to opportunity to work one on one with our team to guide you step-by-step so you can securely access your benefits and manage your information from home. An email address is required to set up this account, please bring this information with you.

• September 22, 2025: The Belle Center, 104 Maryland Street, Buffalo, NY 14201 from 10am – 1pm.

• October 22, 2025: Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst, NY 14228 from 10am – 1pm. 

Call (716) 853-3087 ext. 247 to schedule your appointment for either event.  More events throughout WNY to be scheduled at later times based upon demand.

Click here to view a step-by-step guide to setting up your SSA account.

Click here to watch a video about how to set up your SSA account.