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Trump's Social Security check change could affect half a million Americans

Nearly half a million Americans will be affected by President Trump's order that will cease Social Security payments by paper check.

Why it matters: The switch risks disrupting the financial lives of some of the most vulnerable Americans, at a time when Social Security is cutting back services to help them.

Driving the news: The federal government must stop issuing paper checks by Sept. 30 in favor of direct deposit, prepaid cards, or "other digital payment options," per an order Trump signed yesterday.

The move is part of a broader White House effort against what it considers government waste, fraud and abuse.
The order includes language allowing for "limited exceptions," including for people without bank accounts.

By the numbers: Nearly 456,000 Americans are still receiving paper Social Security checks as of March, per Social Security Administration data

That's about 0.7% of the approximately 68.2 million total recipients.
What they're saying: "The continued use of paper-based payments ... imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies," per Trump's order.

"Maintaining the physical infrastructure and specialized technology for digitizing paper records cost the American taxpayer over $657 million in Fiscal Year 2024 alone."

Between the lines: Social Security recipients are by definition on the older side, and some may struggle with any changes — particularly those who have long been able to switch to direct deposit but have not done so.

The Social Security Administration is simultaneously rushing to cut phone services at the White House's request, Axios' Emily Peck reports.
But over-the-phone help is exactly the kind of assistance many affected recipients may need before September's deadline.
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/26/trump-social-security-paper-checks-direct-deposit