Trump’s New Social Security Rule Is Hitting These 5 States the Hardest: Are You Affected?

The end of paper Social Security checks seems to be upon us, and the news has left many recipients concerned about what the future looks like. While direct deposit has become the norm as we continue toward a more digital approach to life, roughly 500,000 seniors still receive their Social Security benefits in the mail.

Still, in March, President Trump signed an executive order that mandated the end of Social Security checks by September 30, 2025. These Trump Social Security Changes are set to usher in a complete switch to direct deposit, prepaid debit cards, and other forms of electronic payment.

While the goal is to modernize and streamline the delivery of Social Security benefits, many fear the impact on older Americans, many of whom haven’t embraced new technology. Per the Social Security Administration (SSA), 485,766 retirees receive paper checks, and adapting to a paperless system may not be easy or even possible.

Keep reading to find out more about the states most affected by Social Security changes, and how the SSA payment modernization could impact you, or the people you love the most.

California: More Than 50,000 Seniors at Risk

California, home to one of the largest populations of seniors who still receive their social security checks by mail, leads the nation when it comes to people who are likely to be affected by the Trump Social Security changes. As of April 2025, 51,649 California residents received paper checks every month.

This transition may be difficult for seniors who have limited internet access, face a lack of tech literacy, or simply prefer to receive paper checks. Even with resources in place to help make the transition smoother, the years of trust and familiarity that these seniors have developed with the current system have the potential to make things difficult.

The size and diversity of the state further complicates these changes. Seniors who live in rural or underserved communities are especially vulnerable, especially if they’re not notified in time, or if they don’t understand the details of this SSA payment modernization.

Texas: Digital Divide in a Growing Retirement Hub

Texas has become an increasingly popular spot for retirees, which is reflected by the fact that the Lone Star State is home to 35,504 seniors who still receive paper checks. Studies indicate that a large portion of Texas’ growing retiree population is found in rural and suburban areas, which has the potential to complicate things even more.

Seniors in Texas who live alone and those who lack technological fluency are probably going to need some additional support during this transition. Even though prepaid debit cards are being offered to make things a little easier for those who are hesitant to adopt the change, they can also present unique challenges for people who aren’t accustomed to managing digital money.

It’s being reported that there are already community outreach events being planned for the entire state. Taking part in these events will give seniors an opportunity to ask some questions and receive help in real time.

New York: Thousands May Struggle to Adapt

When many people think about New York, they think about an urban setting filled with young professionals, bustling from one hot spot to the next. However, the state is home to the third-highest number of SSA recipients who rely on paper checks. Per the SSA, 30,676 New Yorkers are still using paper checks. Many of these individuals live on a fixed income, and fear of any potential delays in distribution has left them feeling an added layer of stress just months ahead of the change.

New York is known for its fast pace, but the state is also home to a complex bureaucracy that may pose difficulties for seniors trying to understand the shift to Social Security direct deposit. The diverse nature of the state poses some challenges, too. Some rural areas in upstate New York may lack access to field offices, especially after recent budget cuts to staffing.

Even though New York is considered one of the most educated states in the nation, the fact remains that thousands may be unprepared for the change.

Florida: Retirement Paradise Faces Tech Hurdles

The Sunshine State has long been considered a retirement haven, but tech hurdles may make it difficult for retirees in Florida to deal with the Trump Social Security changes. According to data from the SSA, 30,016 Floridians get their benefits through traditional mail, which makes it one of the largest populations of seniors in the nation.

Many retirees in Florida have reportedly already transitioned to online banking and digital services, but others prefer, or require, more traditional payment methods. For some, that choice is based on age-related disabilities, while others want to stick with paper checks because they’re used to them.

Florida is home to multiple low-income retirement communities, which experts believe will be disproportionately impacted by the changes.

Ohio: Fifth-Highest Number of Paper Check Recipients

There’s a sizable drop between the fourth and fifth highest number of seniors who are still relying on paper SSA checks. Still, Ohio has 19,769 seniors who received their Social Security checks by mail. Obviously, that number is considerably lower than Florida, California, and New York, but it still represents a large chunk of the population spread across rural and urban areas.

To make things even more complex in Ohio, internet access is spotty, and SSA offices are few and far between. For seniors who don’t have access to a smartphone or reliable transportation, getting help might be easier said than done.

Many experts, both in the Buckeye State and on a national level, are concerned about seniors who may end up missing payments or struggling to comply with new requirements.

What Seniors Can Do Right Now

If you’re a senior citizen who is unsure about how the upcoming changes are going to impact you, or if you have a loved one who needs some help, it’s important not to wait until the executive order goes into effect. Instead, take some steps now to make sure that everything is in order for the changes that are coming to SSA benefits.

Visit SSA.gov or call the local Social Security Administration office today to start the process of switching to direct deposit, or request a prepaid debit card. You can also look into financial literacy seminars that are often held at local senior centers or libraries. Finally, look into some of the exemptions that are available. You may find that you or your loved ones are eligible to be exempt from the Trump Social Security changes. Even if you don’t live in one of the five states discussed today, take the steps to protect yourself or your elderly family member from the issues that can stem from such widespread changes.