Pension checks will be electronic-only
Staff writer
Seniors who still get paper checks from Social Security no longer will get them after Sept. 30.
The Social Security Administration’s transition to direct deposit, started years ago, is being wrapped up.
Starting Oct. 1, payments will be issued by only direct deposit or Direct Express debit cards. The debit cards may be used at stores or to make cash withdrawals at ATMs.
A senior must have a bank account before signing up for direct deposit.
To sign up for Direct Express debit cards, seniors may call a Direct Express hot line at (800) 333-1795 or get help from Social Security.
Lu Turk, director of the Marion County department on aging, hasn’t had questions from clients.
Still, she put information about the change in the department’s monthly newsletter.
“Nobody has come in yet,” she said. “I don’t know if anyone has really grasped the concept of paperless.”
Some people like to stay “off the grid,” Turk noted.
She’s received a debit card tax refund before.
“They gave me a Credit Karma card,” Turk said. “That one you could put money on.”
The move to paperless payments is meant to reduce theft and fraud, cut costs for the government, and increase speed and efficiency.
Paper-based payment systems cost taxpayers more than $650 million in 2024, the Social Security Administration said.
Accommodations will be made for people who have no access to banking or electronic payment systems, certain emergency or law enforcement payments, and specific other special cases as defined by law.
The federal government’s transition to paperless checks will affect all payments, including tax refunds.
It also means the federal government no longer will accept paper checks for payments of fees, fines, or taxes.