[Charlotte-Mecklenburg-Chapter] Blind Americans and the End of Paper Benefit Checks: Article from Braille Monitor Articles Section 2025 06 01

[gerald moreno]

Blind Americans and the End of Paper Benefit Checks: What You Need to Know by Jesse Shirek From the Editor: Jesse Shirek is one of the very smart and capable people on the Federation's Advocacy and Policy team. His specific portfolio includes answering questions and facilitating solutions to problems related to Social Security benefits. Jesse is kind, friendly, and approachable, so members who have concerns should never hesitate to reach out to him. In this short article, he explains an important change that will affect how blind people receive benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as other payments from the federal government. Here, in Jesse's words, is the critical information: On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account. The goal is to phase out paper checks for all federal payments including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security Retirement, and federal income tax refunds by September 30, 2025. For many blind Americans, this is more than a shift in payment methods-it's a change that may impact our financial independence, privacy, and equal access. The federal government processes millions of payments every year. According to the executive order, paper checks are "16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer (EFT). There's no question that updating the system is long overdue-but the nation's blind must not be left behind. If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Social Security Retirement, and still get a paper benefits check, this change directly affects you. You will be expected to switch to an electronic payment method, such as direct deposit, prepaid debit card, digital wallet, or real-time payments. Agencies are required to stop issuing paper checks unless you qualify for a specific exemption. This includes all federal disbursements: benefits, tax refunds, and even payments to government contractors and vendors. The government has outlined important exemptions for individuals who cannot access electronic payments. Section 4 of the Executive Order requires the Treasury Department to revise procedures for those who qualify. Exemptions include individuals who do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems, certain emergency payments where electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship, and other circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. The order also guarantees that individuals or entities qualifying for an exception shall be provided alternative payment options. If you're without a bank account, experience hardship, or have a disability-related barrier to digital access, you may still receive paper checks, or another form of payment that works better for you. Technology offers tremendous opportunity, but also risk. Some banking apps, digital wallets, and payment portals are not screen-reader accessible. Blind people may face inaccessible verification methods, complex interfaces, or be forced to rely on others to manage their money, which is something no one should be required to do. That's why Section 5 of the order is so critical. It mandates a public awareness campaign to inform recipients about the transition, including "guidance on accessing and setting up digital payment options. It also requires agencies to facilitate a smooth transition to digital payments, ensuring that affected individuals and entities receive adequate support. Importantly, agencies must work with financial institutions, consumer groups, and other stakeholders to address financial access for unbanked and underbanked populations. That means the government must engage with groups like the National Federation of the Blind to ensure full accessibility for blind Americans. The National Federation of the Blind is committed to ensuring equal access to financial systems and services. We will be watching closely to make sure exemptions are accessible, fair, and easy to request; all digital payment platforms meet accessibility standards; public education materials are provided in Braille, audio, large print, and screen-reader-friendly formats; and blind people receive direct support to transition, if needed. If you already use direct deposit or a prepaid card like Direct Express, no action may be needed. However, if you use paper checks, now might be a good time to explore alternatives that are accessible and fit your needs. If you believe you will need an exemption, keep a record of why digital options don't work for you. As previously mentioned, the National Federation of the Blind will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates and help as this transition moves forward. The federal government's move toward digital payments is a step into the future. But for blind Americans, that future must be built on inclusion and accessibility. No one should be denied their benefits or forced into dependency because of inaccessible technology. As the Executive Order reminds us, "Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair any right or benefit enforceable at law or in equity by any party. We are monitoring. We are advocating. And we are ready to ensure blind people have full access to our benefits. If you need help with a Social Security related concern, contact Jesse Shirek at the NFB Jernigan Institute at 410-659-9314, extension 2348. Media Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share via Email .

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