500,000 Social Security Recipients Are in for Another Change in October, and It May Not Be a Bad Thing

Core Points - The Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop sending paper checks starting September 30, with exceptions for those who require them [1][9] - Approximately 500,000 Social Security recipients, or less than 1% of total recipients, may be affected by this change [2] Payment Options - Recipients can choose to receive payments via direct deposit to a bank account or onto a Direct Express card [2][9] - A Direct Express card is a prepaid Mastercard that allows recipients to access their federal benefits without needing a bank account [3] Security and Convenience - Direct deposit and Direct Express cards provide enhanced security compared to paper checks, reducing the risk of theft and fraud [6][7] - Funds are available immediately on the payment date, eliminating the need for bank visits and check-cashing fees [10]