Cummins Allison
  • Products
    • Money Counter Machines
      • View All ››
      • JetScan iFX i100
      • JetScan iFX i200
      • JetScan iFX i100, i200 for Law Enforcement
      • JetScan One-Pocket
      • JetScan 150
      • JetScan Two-Pocket
      • JetScan iFX i400
      • JetScan MPS 4100
      • JetScan MPS 4200
      • JetScan MPX 8200
      • JetCount
    • Coin Counting Machines
      • View All ››
      • Money Machine 2
      • JetLink Remote Management
      • Coin Programs
      • JetSort 1000
      • JetSort 2000
      • JetSort 3000
      • JetSort 4000
      • JetSort 6000
    • Pay Station Solutions
      • View All ››
      • Paypod Embedded
    • Check Scanners
      • View All ››
      • JetScan iFX i100
      • JetScan iFX i200
    • ATMs for Financial Institutions
      • View All ››
      • Full-function island ATM
      • Full-function ATMs
      • Small footprint ATMs
      • Lobby Cash Dispense
      • Automated Deposit Module
      • Anti-Skim Protection
      • JetLink Remote Management for ATMs
      • Endpoint Security
      • Onboarding Solutions
    • Ticket Counting and Imaging
      • View All ››
      • JetScan iFX i100, i200
      • JetScan iFX i400
      • JetScan MPS 4100
      • JetScan MPS 4200
      • JetScan MPX 8200
    • Cash-Office Solutions
      • View All ››
      • Cash Logistics Manager
      • Cash Room Manager
      • Cash Drawer Processing
      • JetWedge
      • JetTouch
    • Buy Supplies
  • Service
    • Request Service
    • JetLink - ATM Managed Services
    • PMIA
  • Resources
    • News & Events
      • View All ››
      • Press Releases
      • News Hub
      • Events
      • Articles
      • Awards
    • Media Center
      • View All ››
      • Company Information
      • Media Contacts
    • Brochures
    • Case Studies
    • White Papers
    • Foreign Language Resources
    • User Support Resources
  • Industries
    • Banks & Credit Unions
    • Casinos
    • Law Enforcement
    • Grocery
    • Vending
    • Cannabis
  • Store
    • ATM Supplies
      • View All ››
      • Printer Ribbon
      • Thermal Paper
    • Coin bags & rolls
      • View All ››
      • Coin Bags
      • JetSort Coin Boxes
      • JetSort Bag Adapters
      • Coin Packaging
      • Coin Shipping Boxes
      • Coin Wrappers
    • JetCount® Cash Counters
    • Currency Straps & Bands
      • View All ››
      • Currency Strapper Paper
      • Currency Straps
      • Currency Strap Bands
      • Currency Documents
    • MICR Ink & Paper
      • View All ››
      • MICR Paper
      • MICR Ink
    • Printer Paper, Ribbons & Cables
      • View All ››
      • Printer Paper
      • Printer Ribbon
      • Printer Accessories
    • Cleaning & Storage
      • View All ››
      • Cleaning Kits & Dusters
      • Vacuums
      • Dust Covers
    • Printers
      • View All ››
      • Impact Printers
      • Thermal Printers
      • Slip Printers
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Find a Local Rep
    • Career Opportunities
  • (800) 786-5528
Home News & Events

News & Events

  • Press Releases
  • News Hub
  • Articles
  • Events
  • Awards
    • Chicago Innovation Award
  • Media Center
    • Media contacts
    • Company info

News Hub

Government stops mailing benefits checks, but that won't slow consumer use

The U.S. government recently made a move to eliminate most of the paper checks federal benefits recipients receive. Instead of the physical checks they are accustomed to, most people collecting government support will now be required to receive their Social Security, veterans benefits and other funds electronically.

New program changes how most receive benefits
The "Go Direct" initiative, which was implemented March 1 calls for benefits to be deposited directly into recipients' bank accounts, rather than physically mailed. Those who are hesitant about the switch can request a U.S. Department of Treasury-issued debit card rather than have the money sent to a checking or savings account. While the government will allow some waivers for those born on or before May 1, 1921, in addition to those who live in rural areas with few local banks. However, it's not likely many will be granted their request to continue receiving paper checks: CBS reported only about 20 percent of those who applied for the waivers actually received them.

The government claims switching to electronic transactions will save money - a major concern since the country is facing a massive federal debt and looking for new ways to cut spending. Other concerns were in regard to security, as those who receive mailed checks could become victims of fraud.

Many could be hesitant
Even though the federal government has touted the advantages of the new program, many benefits recipients could remain skeptical of the plan. Individuals who are accustomed to receiving their paper checks could be confused by the updated requirements, especially seniors who may have relied on the old system for years. According to CBS News, only a little more than half of seniors even own a computer, which could make it impossible for many older individuals to determine if their check was deposited or if something was wrong with the amount they received.

The program could also cause stress for those who don't have bank accounts or prefer to rely solely on cash. Even though beneficiaries without bank accounts have the option to receive a prepaid debit card, they may be hesitant to use it, especially if they frequent cash-only businesses or feel more secure with physical currency or checks in their wallets and homes.

While the government may be eliminating its use of benefits checks​ for the most part, consumers and businesses still rely on them to make payments and purchases. Because this initiative won't halt benefits recipients from writing their own checks once their deposits have been made, organizations will still need the most effective and efficient check scanners available.

May 15, 2013

  • Products
  • ATMs
  • Coin Handling
  • Currency Handling
  • Check Processing
  • Ticket Counting and Imaging
  • Supplies
  • News & Events
  • Press Releases
  • News Hub
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Our History
  • Who We Are
  • Corporate Responsibility
  • Patents
  • Contact Us
  • Get a Quote
  • Request a Demo
  • Find a Local Rep
  • (800) 786-5528
  • Service
  • PMIA
  • Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Cummins Allison
Privacy Policy | ©2020 Cummins-Allison Corp.
©2020 Cummins-Allison Corp.