US government is phasing out paper checks. Here’s what that means for you

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

U.S. begins phasing out paper checks for benefits

Change impacts Social Security , SSI, and tax refunds

Critics warn vulnerable Americans may lose access

Direct deposit or Direct Express card will replace checks

The U.S. government starts phasing out paper checks for most programs on Tuesday.

The change, which was initiated through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March, will affect recipients of benefits including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds.

Trump’s Republican administration argues the shift of all payments and collections to electronic methods is designed to protect taxpayers from fraud and stolen checks, speed up processing and cut costs. But advocates fear that the shift will hurt marginalized Ameri