Social Security to go all electronic

Over 13,000 New Jerseyans will be affected when Social Security benefits move to electronic-only payments by Sept. 30, 2025.

The Social Security Administration announced that beneficiaries will no longer be eligible to receive paper checks as payment.

The federal government said in a statement that this decision was made "to modernize payments systems and enhance service delivery." The SSA said this transition will improve security, savings and efficiency.

As of July 2025, 13,200 New Jersey residents who receive Social Security payments, equaling less than 1% of beneficiaries in the state, got their money by a paper check.

Across the country, 521,644 Social Security beneficiaries, also less than 1% of those who receive benefits, receive payments through a paper check.

The SSA said it will be in contact with those who are affected in New Jersey and across the country to help set up their direct deposit or other payments. Here is what those in New Jersey can do right now.

Those who receive paper checks for Social Security payments can switch via the "my Social Security account."

There are two electronic payment options: direct deposit and a Direct Express Card, which is a prepaid debit card designed specifically for federal benefit payments for those without a bank account.

The switch can be made on the Social Security website, through calling 877-874-6347 or by completing a form for direct deposit.

To enroll in direct deposit, you will be asked to supply your Social Security number, information from your most recent federal benefit check or claim number, the financial institution's routing transit number and your bank account number, either checking or savings.

To enroll in the Direct Express Card, you must call 877-874-6347.