The Social Security Administration is completely changing and has just made a shift that marks the end of an era: they will stop issuing physical checks.
This measure will impact 450,000 beneficiaries who still receive paper checks. Let’s keep in mind that most people who receive this payment tend to be older adults who get their pension, and we already know what happens with technological changes, our elders don’t get along particularly well with new technologies (the generational gap and all that).
This change seeks a massive transition to digital means and thus modernize the system. But of course, it has raised many doubts among older adults.
Why won’t there be physical checks anymore?
Mainly because the Administration needs to modernize, and also because paper checks are much easier to counterfeit, steal, or even lose. So, let’s say the main reason the SSA needs to eliminate physical checks is to improve the security of the system.
According to the Administration itself, this change will not negatively affect older adults but instead prevent the risk of fraud that directly affects them and others in precarious situations.
Isn’t this a DOGE measure?
It could be, because sending physical checks has ended up being considered a completely unnecessary expense for the system, so with this measure, even if not proposed by Musk and his Department, the government expects to save millions of dollars (since digital payments are completely free).
The money saved could be redirected to improve the Social Security Administration itself, which, as we know, is facing a serious structural problem: more and more retirees and rising inflation. And yes, that’s a big problem.
Will this affect many people?
It is estimated that only 0.7% of beneficiaries (of the 68.2 million beneficiaries who receive their Social Security payments) receive them through physical checks, but don’t be misled by the percentage, there are still 456,000 people who receive their payments by check, and this often includes older adults or vulnerable populations.
In principle, older adults and those with difficulties using technology will be the most affected by this, but hopefully, they can quickly adapt to this new way of receiving payments, especially since the SSA is also cutting back on telecommunications methods. So, vulnerable populations will be at double risk.
Adapt or die: a threat
Despite eliminating telecommunications methods, the SSA has enabled online tools and telephone help lines for users who have trouble understanding these changes. Additionally, beneficiaries will be able to choose whether to receive the money directly in their bank accounts or via debit cards.
Other changes in terms of technology
DOGE is causing fewer and fewer personnel in SSA offices, and workers like former commissioner Martin O’Malley have warned that this reduction in staff could cause the SSA to collapse in approximately 30 days, so we’re racing against time.
The future is digital
For many, abandoning physical checks is a symbol of progress, but others agree that it’s a new obstacle. Regardless of whether some don’t get along well with technology, we can’t forget that there are still people without internet access. So yes, the future will be digital, but there are still many barriers to break.
