SSA Moves to Digital Access & Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing changes that will allow for digital access to Social Security Numbers (SSNs) through the "my Social Security" (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/) online portal. Additionally, there's a broader government-wide initiative to transition Social Security benefit payments and others to electronic methods, phasing out paper checks. While both changes offer member convenience, we want our members to be educated about the process and potential fraud risks and scams that may arise.

Understanding Digital Social Security Cards

  • What a digital Social Security Card is: Secure online access to your SSN through the "my Social Security" account (Not an additional visual of a card).
  • What a digital Social Security Card is not: A replacement for all physical card needs, nor a universal digital ID.
  • For more information on how to create a “my Social Security” account, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Paper Checks Ending: What You Need to Know

  • When: September 30, 2025
  • What: Cease issuing paper checks for all federal disbursements.
    • Intragovernmental payments
      • Internal revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs (VA), (Railroad Retirement Board) RRB, Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
    • Benefits payments
    • Vendor payments
    • Tax refunds
  • Exceptions: 
    • No access to banking services or electronic payment systems
    • Certain emergency payments where electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship (refer to 31 C.F.R. Part 208 for details.)
    • National security- or law enforcement-related activities where non-EFT transactions are necessary or desirable.
  • New method of payment:
    • Direct deposit
    • Prepaid card accounts (Debit and Credit)
    • Electronic Funds Transfers
    • Digital Wallet & real time payment systems

How to Prepare & Protect Yourself

How do I prepare for the changes?

If you’re still receiving paper checks from the federal government, it’s
important to prepare for the upcoming changes. Here’s how you can make
the transition:

 

  • If you have not already, sign up for a SSA account/ ID.Me account. Ensure your direct deposit is correctly set up through the IRS, SSA, etc.
  • If you haven’t already, provide your routing number and your account number to the federal agencies that send you payments. This will ensure your funds are directly deposited into your account, rather than being sent by paper check.
  • Always verify the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from the SSA by going directly to the official ssa.gov website or calling official SSA numbers. The SSA will never call, email, or text asking for personal information, SSN, or payment to set up digital access. Be wary of unsolicited communications.

Why should I prepare?

Making these changes now will help ensure there’s no disruption in receiving your payments when the new order takes effect and help protect you from identity theft.

How to prevent becoming a victim?

  • Phishing/Scams: Expect an increase in sophisticated phishing attempts targeting you, attempting to trick you into revealing SSN or account details. The SSA will never call, email, or text asking for personal information, SSN, or payment to set up digital access. Be wary of unsolicited communications.
  • Account Compromise:  Use strong, unique passwords for your "my Social Security" account and enable two-factor authentication (if available).
  • Monitor Accounts: Regularly review your "my Social Security" account for unusual activity, credit reports for new accounts or inquiries, and bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Report suspected fraud to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) (e.g., oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271) and/or the FTC (IdentityTheft.gov).
 

Learn More About Protecting Yourself from Fraud