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

  • By FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change starts Tuesday and affects recipients of benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump's Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a beneficiary "has no other means to receive payment."

Aw SNAP!
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Aw SNAP!

  • By Craig Wiesner

A veteran, behind on his bills, was sitting in the dark. PG&E had shut off the power. A local nonprofit could pay the bill with a program …