Say Goodbye to Paper Checks: New Social Security Payment Rules

Starting September 30, President Donald Trump has ordered the Social Security office to stop sending paper checks. The government believes using paper checks is expensive and can lead to problems like lost or stolen payments. Since COVID-19, reports of mail theft have increased, and checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or taken than electronic payments.

If you’re getting benefits and can’t set up direct deposit online, don’t worry. You still have options! Here’s what you can do:

1. Contact your bank: Call or visit your bank to get help.
2. Visit a local Social Security office: You can talk to someone in person.
3. Call Social Security: Dial 800-772-1213 for assistance.

You can also get a Direct Express debit card, which allows you to access your benefits without needing a bank account.

In his order, President Trump said keeping paper checks costs taxpayers millions of dollars. The goal of this order is to make payments faster, safer, and cheaper by using electronic methods. He also mentioned that this policy is meant to help fight fraud and improve the government’s payment system.