(NEXSTAR) — You may be in line to receive a benefits check from the government this week, but the form it comes in may be different from what you usually get.
Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order that called for “payments to and from America’s bank account” to be modernized. Ultimately, it marks an end to paper checks and money orders for transactions with the federal government, with a few exceptions.
According to the order, it is “16 times more likely” for paper checks and money orders to be lost, stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than electronically-disbursed funds.
Under Trump’s order, acceptable digital payment methods include direct deposit, prepaid cards, digital wallets, real-time payment systems, and “other modern electronic payment options.”
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The order impacts “all Federal disbursements inclusive of intragovernmental payments, benefits payments, vendor payments, and tax refunds.” That includes any benefits sent out by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Paper payments are officially set to end on Tuesday.
If you don’t already receive benefit payments electronically, you’ll need to log into your account to update your Social Security direct deposit details, speak with a representative, or contact your bank. The latter can provide your direct deposit information to Social Security on your behalf. You can also update your payment details for VA benefits online or over the phone.
You may still be able to receive paper payments if you do not have access to banking services or online payment systems. Other exceptions outlined in Trump’s order include “emergency payments where electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship,” transactions in which non-electronic payments are “necessary or desirable,” and other situations as determined by the Treasury Secretary.
Data from the Social Security Administration shows that less than one percent of beneficiaries already receive payments via direct deposit.
It’s also worth noting that the order calls for “the payment of Federal receipts” to be made electronically as well. That means if you owe federal taxes, you may not be able to send it in as a check or an envelope of cash and coins.
The IRS said last week that it will begin phasing out paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers starting on Tuesday to comply with Trump’s order. However, the agency said taxpayers should “continue using existing forms and procedures” until further notice.
