Social Security checks will go digital later this year

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Paper Social Security checks will be phased out this year and all payments will be distributed electronically by Sept. 30. Social Security recipients will need to sign up for electronic direct deposit, where the money will be deposited directly into a person’s bank account. People without bank accounts can sign up for a Direct Express debit card, which allows people to access their benefits through a prepaid debit card.

On March 25, President Donald Trump initiated the change via executive order, stating that the current paper-based system “imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies.” Direct deposit is considered safer because the money goes directly into the bank account of the intended recipient, and there’s no risk of a check being lost or stolen, according to the Social Security Administration website.

To sign up for direct deposit, visit https://godirect.gov/gpw/ or call the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795. People can also sign up in person at their bank, savings and loan or credit loan, or by calling Social Security.

After its set up, Social Security will deposit the benefit automatically in the account every month.

People who currently receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits by check must switch to an electronic payment option.

In extremely rare circumstances, Treasury may grant exceptions to the electronic payment mandate.

For more information or to request a waiver, call the U.S. Treasury at 1-855-290-1545. People can also print and fill out a waiver form and return it to the address on the form.