(This article comes courtesy of MissouriNet.)
Starting September 30th, Missourians receiving Social Security benefits will no longer get paper checks in the mail.
The Social Security Administration says it is transitioning to electronic payments to improve efficiency. That means those receiving benefits will need to switch to Direct Deposit or a Direct Express Card.
Stacy Morse, executive director of the Missouri Council on Aging told Missourinet, she supports the cost savings but emphasizes the need for robust outreach and education to ensure older residents understand and adapt to the change.
“The way Missouri Council on Aging plans to help is just providing webinars, putting information in our newsletters, doing anything we can to help connect people to the Area Agencies on Aging, the senior centers,” said Morse.
Morse emphasized the changes will go into effect next month.
“It’s a pretty quick turnaround between now and September 30th for people to get their banking set up,” said Morse. “You’re not going to be getting a paper check anymore. There’s a new way that you’ll be paid and we want to be sure that people are not missing out on the benefit just because of this new efficiency.”
An estimated 800,000 Americans still receive paper checks.
Those with questions can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.
