As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributed Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to nearly 7.5 million beneficiaries. While most people received their funds smoothly, a vulnerable group of over 521,000 individuals who still rely on physical paper checks are now facing an uncertain future.
These individuals—senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with children living in extreme poverty—may experience delays in receiving their checks, with some waiting up to three business days due to limitations imposed by the US Postal Service (USPS).
In large cities like New York and Los Angeles, internal USPS restructuring has caused even longer delays. As Susan Halberg, an analyst at the Center for Retirement Policy, warns, “A day’s delay can mean going hungry” for those who rely on these benefits to survive.
SSI Paper Checks to Be Eliminated Starting September 30, 2025
The good news is that SSI payments are transitioning to electronic methods, which have been heavily promoted by the SSA for nearly a decade. Since 2013, new beneficiaries have been required to sign up for direct deposit, and 99% of payments are now made this way. According to the SSA, “Electronic funds always arrive on the first day, even on weekends.”
However, the time to transition to digital payments is quickly running out. Starting September 30, 2025, paper checks will no longer be an option for most SSI recipients. If you still rely on a paper check, you must take action now to avoid any disruptions in receiving your payments. While limited exceptions will apply, individuals who wish to continue receiving paper checks must request a waiver before the deadline.
Experts worry that thousands, especially seniors in rural areas with limited access to banking, will be left unprotected if they do not make the switch. To help, the SSA offers three ways to update payment methods: you can visit ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local SSA office.
USPS Struggles and Delays
The push to move away from paper checks is not without reason. The USPS has been struggling with budget cuts and logistical problems, leading to delays in mailing Social Security payments, including SSI, disability (SSDI), and retirement benefits.
Beneficiaries in the Midwest have reported waits of up to five days for their payments, with the SSA recommending that lost checks be reported after 10 business days. However, replacing these checks can take weeks, leaving recipients in a financial bind.
Community organizations across the country are stepping in to help. In Cleveland, volunteers are assisting migrants in setting up Direct Express card accounts, while senior centers in Phoenix are offering workshops on digital banking. María López, a social worker, says, “It’s a race against time. September will come quickly.”
2025 SSI Payment Schedule
The SSA has confirmed that SSI payments will continue their regular distribution schedule on the first business day of each month, with adjustments when the first falls on a weekend. Here is the payment schedule for the remainder of 2025:
August 2025: Friday, August 1 (since August 1 is a weekday)
September 2025: Monday, September 1
October 2025: Wednesday, October 1
November 2025: Friday, October 31 (due to November 1 falling on a Saturday)
December 2025: Monday, December 1
January 2026: Wednesday, January 31
Now is the time for SSI recipients who rely on paper checks to make the switch to electronic payments. By doing so, you can avoid delays, ensure timely access to your benefits, and reduce the risk of missing crucial payments in the future.
