Next week marks a major shift in how federal payments are disbursed, as both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) move to entirely electronic payments, phasing out paper checks. The SSA will stop issuing paper checks for benefits, impacting many recipients who must now transition to electronic payments by a specified deadline. Similarly, the IRS will begin to phase out paper tax refund checks, introducing new electronic disbursement methods to streamline the process. This transition has elicited reactions from various stakeholders, including calls from legislators to delay the cessation of paper checks, amid concerns about its impact on vulnerable populations. Recipients are advised to prepare for these changes, ensuring their information is updated to facilitate smooth electronic transactions.