The Social Security Administration is warning beneficiaries that those receiving their benefits via paper checks could see their payments disrupted as the agency implements a Trump administration deadline to wean the federal government off of paper checks by Sept. 30.
While 99% of SSA beneficiaries use direct deposit to get their benefits, over half a million people still get paper checks, according to agency data.
Now, SSA is trying to move those beneficiaries receiving paper checks to direct deposit or Direct Express, a prepaid debit card used to deliver federal benefits. It’s also pushing new applicants to digital payment options.
People that want checks will have to call the Treasury Department themselves and apply for a waiver. Those getting paper checks that do not get such a waiver by the end of September “may experience a disruption in timely payment delivery,” even if their waiver application is pending, according to an internal policy document dated July 2.
