[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] Blind Americans and the End of Paper Benefit Checks

[smturner.234 at gmail.com]

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.

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