BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — In an effort to modernize, the Social Security Administration will stop sending paper checks to most recipients starting Sept. 30.
After 85 years of paper checks, nearly 70 million beneficiaries will now receive their payments via direct deposit or on prepaid debit cards. The administration says the move will improve efficiency, security, and ensure beneficiaries receive their monthly benefits promptly. Some residents are unhappy about the change.
"I think they should leave well enough alone," one local stated,
While the administration has stated that electronic payments are a faster, more secure way for recipients to receive their payments, the move will also save money. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, checks cost $0.50 each, and electronic funds transfers cost $0.15. Still, some say the move to remove paper checks would impact people in a negative way.
Read More: 'It's outrageous': Bay Staters Sound Off On Rising Food Delivery Prices
"I have elderly people that I take care of, that I'm concerned about. It's also part of their daily routine," another resident said. "To keep active, to keep going around."
The administration says they are actively alerting recipients about the change and encouraging them to switch to electronic payments before Sept. 30. As the deadline slowly approaches, some seem hopeful about the transition.
"We'll see what it brings," one resident said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.