The US Government Stops Paper Checks
美國政府停止發放紙本支票
Introduction
The US government will stop sending paper checks for Social Security and other payments. Now, people must get their money electronically.
美國政府將停止發放社會安全金及其他款項的紙本支票。現在，民眾必須透過電子方式領取款項。
Main Body
The government has a new rule. Agencies like the SSA and IRS must use electronic payments. Paper checks cost too much money. In 2024, the government spent over 657 million dollars on paper records.
政府有一項新規定。如 SSA 和 IRS 等機構必須使用電子支付。紙本支票成本過高。在 2024 年，政府在紙本紀錄上花費了超過 6 億 5,700 萬美元。
Electronic payments are safer. Paper checks are easy to steal or lose. They also cost more to make. One paper check costs about 3 dollars. Electronic transfers are much cheaper.
電子支付更安全。紙本支票容易被盜或遺失。此外，製作成本也較高。一張紙本支票約需 3 美元。電子轉帳則便宜許多。
Most people already use electronic payments. Only 1% of people still use paper checks. People can use a website or a special debit card to get their money. Some people can still get paper checks if they have health problems or live in very far places.
大多數人已經使用電子支付。僅有 1% 的人仍在使用紙本支票。民眾可以使用網站或專用簽帳卡來領取款項。若有健康問題或居住在極偏遠地區，部分人士仍可領取紙本支票。
Conclusion
The government will stop all paper checks by the end of 2026. Everyone must use electronic payments.
政府將在 2026 年底前停止所有紙本支票。所有人必須使用電子支付。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Too' Rule
In the text, we see: "Paper checks cost too much money."
When we use too, it means more than we want. It is a negative feeling.
Examples from life:
- This coffee is too hot (I cannot drink it!)
- The bus is too slow (I am late!)
- The room is too small (I don't fit!)
🗝️ Words for 'Changing' (A2 Vocabulary)
Look at how the government is moving from old to new:
Old New
- Paper checks Electronic payments
- Physical mail Website / Debit card
Useful words used here:
- Stop: To end something (e.g., Stop using paper).
- Safe: Not in danger (e.g., Electronic is safer).
- Cheaper: Costs less money (e.g., Transfers are cheaper).