End of Paper Checks Dismays Some

"...Starting March 1, the U.S. Department of the Treasury plans to stop mailing out most paper Social Security checks. Instead, it will require recipients to switch to an electronic form of payment: either direct deposit into their bank account or onto a Treasury-issued debit card.

Although the vast majority — about 95 percent — of seniors in Utah already have their Social Security payments deposited directly into their bank or credit union accounts, for many of the remaining 5 percent the prospect is unnerving..."

Read more at The Salt Lake Tribune

How to report a missing Social Security payment

If your check is ever missing, lost, or stolen, it can be replaced, but it takes time. By Mail If you normally receive your check by mail, wait three days after the date you normally receive your check before calling us. To report a late, missing, or stolen check, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You should also consider direct deposit for future payments.

Consider going ahead and making the switch to Direct Deposit. Electronic Social Security payments will become mandatory on March 1, 2013.

If you are missing your Direct Deposit payment report a non-receipt of payment immediately by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Source: ssa.gov

Countdown started for mandatory electronic payments

"...Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios on Thursday started an official countdown clock, marking one year until the March 1, 2013, deadline when all federal benefit recipients must receive their Social Security and other federal benefit payments electronically.

She also urged remaining paper check recipients to switch now and help taxpayers save $1 billion over 10 years..."

Read more at timesrecordnews.com