ATTENTION MYSTI’S CRUSADERS: Social Security Paper Checks Are Ending—Here’s What You Need to Know Before September 30

By Giovanne Schachere

Founder & CEO, Mysti’s Adult and Family Services

To every client, case manager, peer support worker, and partner in the Mysti’s WA community—this one’s for you.

On September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration will stop sending paper checks for good. That means anyone still relying on the mail to receive their benefits must switch to electronic payments—either through direct deposit or a Direct Express® prepaid card—or risk losing access to their monthly income.

We’re calling on all Mysti’s Crusaders to spread the word, act early, and protect our people.

Who This Affects

Right now, less than 1% of Social Security recipients still get checks in the mail. But many of them are the exact people we serve:

• Seniors in low-income housing

• Unhoused individuals without bank accounts

• People reentering the community after incarceration

• Individuals with disabilities or limited access to technology

For them, a missed payment can mean missed rent, no food, or worse. This is not just a policy update—it’s a direct threat to financial stability for some of our most vulnerable clients.

Why the Switch Is Happening

This change is part of a national shift toward more modern, secure payment methods. Here’s what you need to know:

• Direct deposits arrive faster than paper checks

• Electronic payments are safer—paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen

• It saves money—electronic payments cost the government about 15 cents each, compared to 50 cents for paper checks

What Mysti’s Clients Should Do Immediately

If you or someone you support still receives paper checks:

1. Set up Direct Deposit

   
   

   Contact your bank or credit union to link your Social Security payments directly to your account.

2. Apply for the Direct Express® Card

   
   

   If you don’t have a bank account, this prepaid debit card is designed specifically for federal benefits.

You can make the switch online at ssa.gov/deposit or call your local Social Security office for help.

If you’re a client of Mysti’s, our team can walk you through the process. Just reach out.

What Mysti’s Crusaders in Washington Must Do Now

If you’re staff, a peer, or part of our extended support network:

• Talk about this at every intake, outreach visit, and community event

• Print this article and post it at shelters, clinics, and churches

• Make it part of your housing and benefit navigation checklist

This isn’t about paperwork. It’s about protecting income, housing, and dignity.

Join the Movement for More Real-Time Updates

At Mysti’s, we don’t just react to change—we lead people through it. That’s why we’re building a private social network just for Mysti’s Crusaders: clients, advocates, frontline staff, and partners who want to stay informed, take action, and build power together.

Join our social network for:

• Policy alerts and benefit updates

• Local resource announcements

• Community support and training opportunities

• Real talk from our leadership and frontline warriors

Sign up now at www.mysticares.org

We move different.

We move early.

We move together.