US to phase out most paper checks for federal benefits
The federal government will begin phasing out paper checks for Social Security and other federal payments by September 30.
Cheddar
The third and final wave of Social Security payments for November is scheduled to be distributed this week, with approximately a month until the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment takes effect.
The increase comes after the majority of recipients of payments were forced to make changes to receive their money via direct deposit to their bank account or a Direct Express card.
The change from paper checks to direct deposit follows President Donald Trump’s executive order from earlier this year, which ended the federal government’s issuance of paper checks, with the compliance deadline set for Sept. 30.
Here’s what you need to know about this week’s Social Security payments.
Who gets their Social Security payment this week?
Beneficiaries who were born between the 21st and 31st day of their birth month are set to receive their monthly Social Security benefit on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to the SSA’s payment calendar.
When are Social Security payments sent?
Social Security benefits – mainly paid to recipients who are older or retired – are typically paid on Wednesdays.
If a recipient’s birthdate is between the first and 10th of the month, they are usually issued payments on the second Wednesday of the payment month, according to the SSA’s calendar. Recipients born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday, and those born after the 20th are paid on the fourth Wednesday.
For those who received Social Security before May 1997, you can expect your payment on the third day of the month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
Those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can expect their Social Security payment on the third day of the month and their SSI payment on the first day of the month.
Full 2025 Social Security payment calendar
SSI payment schedule for the rest of 2025 and into 2026
SSI checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2025 and early 2026, according to the SSA calendar:
- Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 (Check for February 2026)
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (Check for March 2026)
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
