Social Security Is Going Digital: What Retirees Should Know

All digital transformations face unique challenges, but always come with the same promise of being more efficient. There’s one such big shift coming for millions of Americans who count on their monthly Social Security benefits. This change will affect how payments are delivered and how retirees interact with the agency going forward.

The move is part of a broader push to modernize how Social Security operates, and it’s coming with timelines, new tools, and some bumps in the road for seniors who aren’t comfortable online.

Paper Checks Are Ending

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Starting September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop mailing paper checks. That deadline applies to the remaining small group of retirees who still get their benefits by mail. Today, fewer than one percent of beneficiaries rely on paper checks, but in real terms, that still adds up to hundreds of thousands of people.

SSA officials say the shift makes sense. Paper checks are slower to process, cost more to print, and are far less secure. The Treasury Department estimates each check costs about 50 cents to issue, compared with under 15 cents for an electronic payment. Beyond that, paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than direct deposits. Going digital, according to the agency, will save millions of taxpayer dollars each year while making payments safer and more reliable.

How Retirees Will Get Paid Now

For anyone still on paper checks, there are two options. First, direct deposit into a checking or savings account. This is the simplest route for those with bank accounts, and it ensures benefits land on time every month. Second, the Direct Express card, a prepaid debit card designed specifically for federal payments, offers a solution for people without bank accounts.

SSA is actively reaching out to those affected. Notices have been mailed, inserts included with benefit checks, and field technicians are available to walk recipients through the process. Beneficiaries can also update their payment preferences through their personal “my Social Security” accounts online.

Digital Services Are Expanding

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Checks aren’t the only thing changing. The agency is building a digital-first model across its services. This includes a new option launched in 2025 to access a digital version of your Social Security card on your phone. The idea is to cut down on in-person visits and reduce delays for people who misplace their cards or need quick access to their number.

The digital card is available through a “my Social Security” account and is intended to make everyday situations easier, such as job applications or banking. SSA officials emphasize that the feature is secure and reduces the risks tied to lost or stolen paper cards. For those hesitant about security, the agency clarifies that the sensitive information is encrypted and protected with multi-factor authentication.

The Challenges For Older Adults

Not everyone is cheering these changes. Many retirees have voiced concerns about digital access. Resetting passwords, two-factor authentication, and document uploads may sound simple to some, but for older adults who are less comfortable with technology, the process can feel overwhelming. Community tech classes have already popped up in retirement communities to help seniors navigate the SSA website and login systems.

Experts warn about another risk: scams. Seniors who turn to others for help logging in may unintentionally share personal information with untrustworthy people. Given how sensitive the data is, from Social Security numbers to birth dates and banking information, the risks of fraud are very real. SSA reminds beneficiaries that it will never call, text, or email asking for personal details, and any suspicious activity should be reported directly to the Office of the Inspector General.

What Retirees Should Do Next

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For retirees who still get paper checks, action is required before the September deadline. Choose direct deposit or the Direct Express card and set it up through your bank, SSA.gov, or by calling the SSA. For those who already receive electronic payments, it may be a good time to review your “my Social Security” account to make sure your information is current and secure.

The digital push is only growing, and by the end of 2026, SSA hopes to have 200 million Americans enrolled in online accounts.