Sarasota-Manatee coalition helps with bank accounts as benefits go digital

Ahead of a looming deadline for when the U.S. government will stop issuing paper checks for Social Security and other federal benefits, local nonprofits and partnering financial institutions are mobilizing to help seniors, veterans, disabled residents and other populations expected to be hardest hit.

The changes – stemming from a March presidential executive order proposing to cut “inefficiencies” by mandating electronic payments – take effect after September 30. They impact not only Social Security disbursements but also disability benefits and tax refunds, too.

Advocates worry about those without bank accounts, but they also see an opportunity to help vulnerable populations in the long run.

To that end, United Way Suncoast is heading a major campaign to assist residents in setting