"The change stems from a March executive order signed by President Donald Trump that requires all federal benefit payments to be issued electronically. Currently, less than 1% of Social Security recipients still receive paper checks. These beneficiaries roughly 500,000 people are being directed to either sign up for direct deposit with their bank or use the Direct Express prepaid debit card. In total, about 70 million people receive Social Security benefits each month, including retirees and Americans with disabilities."
"The SSA said the move is part of a broader effort to modernize payment systems while reducing fraud and costs. Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments, and they cost the government more 50 cents per check versus 15 cents for electronic transfers, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The transition comes as the Trump administration has sought to reshape the SSA, cutting about 7,000 positions and closing some field offices."
An executive order from March requires all federal benefit payments to be issued electronically. Less than 1% of Social Security recipients—roughly 500,000 people—still receive paper checks. These beneficiaries must sign up for direct deposit with their bank or use the Direct Express prepaid debit card. About 70 million people receive Social Security benefits monthly, including retirees and Americans with disabilities. The SSA characterized the change as part of efforts to modernize payment systems while reducing fraud and costs. Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen and cost about 50 cents each versus 15 cents for electronic transfers. The transition coincides with SSA staffing cuts and office closures.
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