US Treasury Ends Paper Checks for Federal Payments September 30

President Trump issued Executive Order 14247 directing the U.S. Treasury to cease issuing paper checks for all government payments, including Social Security benefits and tax refunds, effective September 30, 2025. The IRS and Treasury have begun implementing this mandate, requiring recipients to transition to electronic payments such as direct deposit, prepaid debit cards, or digital wallets, with limited exceptions for those without access to banking services or in cases of emergency or national security. This change affects millions of Americans, including Social Security and SSI beneficiaries, marking a significant shift from paper to electronic payments. While the move aims to reduce fraud, theft, and payment delays, some individuals have expressed concerns about the challenges of electronic payment systems, including risks like bank account hacking and the difficulty of managing finances without a bank account. Efforts are underway through initiatives like Bank On Suncoast to help marginalized communities open affordable bank accounts to facilitate this transition. The Treasury is expected to provide further implementation details, but current guidance emphasizes opening bank accounts and using electronic payment methods as the new standard.