
AMERICANS have little time left to take action before a significant Social Security change goes into effect.
In just weeks, it will be rolled out, and missing the deadline could result in blocked payments.

Seniors could have Social Security payment issues after a new change (stock image)[/caption]
The US Department of the Treasury is making the update in just weeks (stock image)[/caption]
As part of a recent executive order, the United States Department of the Treasury is no longer sending out paper checks.
Starting September 30, 2025, any federal disbursements like tax refunds and money from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be strictly electronic.
The White House said the mandate was put in place as it prevents fraud more effectively and it reduces costs.
According to data from the government, the paper checks are at least 16 times more likely to be reported stolen or lost by Americans.
They’re also more likely to be returned deliverable or altered than electronic payments, per First Citizens Wealth.
Estimates from the US Treasury show that discontinuing paper checks would lead to yearly savings of around $750 million.
Paper checks are still going out for the time being to those who have opted for them until the September 30 deadline.
That means Social Security recipients must sign up for direct deposit or another electronic payment method in the coming weeks.
This goes for those who get retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Options of providing a bank account for the direct deposit or enrolling in an approved pre-paid debit card program to access benefits without a bank account are available.
Direct deposit can safely and securely link a checking or savings account, debit card, or a fintech account, such as Purple.
With the Direct Express Prepaid Debit Card option, no credit check is required, and the card can be used like a standard debit card with the cash deposited onto it every month.
REGISTER HERE
Either can be registered for through Go Direct, a government website that helps Americans with electronic payment setup.
The Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Contact Center can also be reached by phone for setting up the details at 1-877-874-6347.
HOW TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

Here’s how to supplement your Social Security:
Given the uncertainty surrounding Social Security’s long-term future, it’s essential for workers to consider ways to supplement their retirement income.
Senior Citizens League executive director, Shannon Benton recommends starting early with savings and investing in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.
- 401(k) Plans
- A 401(k) is a retirement account offered through employers, where contributions are tax-deferred.
- Many employers also match employee contributions, typically between 2% and 4% of salary, making it a valuable tool for building retirement savings.
- Maxing out your 401(k) contributions, especially if your employer offers a match, should be a priority.
- IRAs
- An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) offers another avenue for retirement savings.
- Unlike a 401(k), an IRA isn’t tied to your employer, giving you more flexibility in your investment choices.
- Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible, and the funds grow tax-free until they are withdrawn, at which point they are taxed as income.
Those Americans who prefer it can also download and complete a paper form from the Go Direct site with direct deposit details and submit it by mail.
More information can be found on the Go Direct landing page.
The switch can also be made through the SSA website by logging into an account and selecting “Direct Deposit,” or calling the administration by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Recipients who prefer in-person assistance can go to their local Social Security office with a voided check or letter from their bank.
SOME EXCEPTIONS
Those who don’t make the September 30 deadline can also rest easy, as it doesn’t mean payments will stop immediately.
The SSA could hold future distributions, however, until direct deposit or electronic payment details are completed.
There are also possible exceptions for recipients with no access to banking or electronic payment tools or who are experiencing extreme hardship.
These exceptions must be approved by the US Treasury.
A woman recently had her Social Security checks slashed to only $14 a month after a $12,000 “overpayment” error.
Another recipient was also left “disturbed” by a little-known rule to claw back funds.