SSA Paper Checks Continue — 3 Groups Still Receiving Them as of September 15

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is also modernizing its operations. The agency manages benefits for around 70 million Americans each month, ensuring payments are delivered on time and efficiently.

Traditionally, many recipients relied on physical checks, but that era is ending. By September 2025, paper checks will largely be phased out, with direct deposit and electronic payments becoming the standard. However, a few groups will continue to receive physical checks under specific conditions.

How SSA Coordinates Millions of Payments Monthly

Handling payments for millions requires strict organization. The SSA staggers payment dates to avoid system overload and to guarantee timely distribution. Your payment date depends on your birth date:

• Second Wednesday of the month: Birthdays from the 1st to 10th
• Third Wednesday of the month: Birthdays from the 11th to 20th
• Fourth Wednesday of the month: Birthdays from the 21st to 31st

These dates apply to retirement and disability benefits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, payments are always issued on the first of the month, regardless of birth date.

If you receive both SSI and retirement benefits, your retirement payment will be made on the third of the month. Additionally, if you started collecting retirement benefits before May 1997, you will continue to be paid on the third of the month as well.

Who Will Still Get Physical SSA Checks

In March 2025, the U.S. Treasury and SSA signed an executive order to eliminate paper checks and fully transition to electronic payments by the end of September 2025. The move is aimed at streamlining payment processes and aligning with the digital era.

Despite this change, certain groups will still be allowed to receive paper checks on a case-by-case basis, recognizing their difficulty in accessing digital systems. These include:

• Beneficiaries aged 90 or older
• Individuals with mental disabilities or cognitive impairments
• Residents of remote areas lacking financial infrastructure

Upcoming Changes SSA Beneficiaries Should Watch For

Besides going digital, an important update is the upcoming Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement. The COLA determines how much monthly benefits increase to protect purchasing power against inflation.

The new COLA will be announced on October 15, and it is expected to be between 2.5% and 2.7%, similar to last year’s increase.

Additionally, SSI beneficiaries will receive their November payments at the end of October because November 1 falls on a weekend, prompting the SSA to issue benefits early.

The SSA’s move to discontinue paper checks by September 2025 marks a significant step toward modernization. While most beneficiaries will transition to electronic payments, a few vulnerable groups will continue receiving paper checks.

Staying informed about payment schedules, COLA adjustments, and exceptions to the digital shift can help beneficiaries prepare and avoid any disruption in their payments.

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