An executive order from President Trump will require government agencies to make electronic payments for tax refunds, Social Security and other benefits as of Sept. 30.

Paper checks issued for tax refunds, Social Security payments and other government benefits have been dwindling and will soon be eliminated, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans.

President Trump signed an executive order on March 25 directing the federal government to stop issuing paper checks as of Sept. 30. Instead, government agencies must make payments electronically, by direct deposit to a bank account, debit card or digital wallet.

“This executive order will defend against financial fraud and improper payments, increase efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the security of federal payments,” a White House spokeswoman, Liz Huston, said in an emailed statement.

Most monthly Social Security payments and annual tax refunds are already paid by direct deposit, agency statistics show. Yet the administration said it was further “phasing

Keep reading this article on The New York Times Your Money.

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