Federal Government Switches Benefit Payments to Electronic Systems
聯邦政府將福利款項轉為電子支付系統
Introduction
The United States federal government is stopping the use of paper checks for Social Security and other federal payments, replacing them with electronic transfer systems.
美國聯邦政府將停止使用紙本支票發放社會安全金及其他聯邦款項，並以電子轉帳系統取代。
Main Body
This change is based on Executive Order 14247, issued in March 2025. This order requires federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to move to electronic payments. The government emphasized that this move will modernize the financial system and reduce the risks associated with physical checks. Furthermore, the administration asserted that paper systems are too expensive, noting that processing paper records cost over $657 million in 2024.
此次變更係根據 2025 年 3 月發布的第 14247 號行政命令。該命令要求聯邦機構，例如社會安全局 (SSA) 和國稅局 (IRS)，必須轉向電子支付。政府強調，此舉將使金融系統現代化，並降低與實體支票相關的風險。此外，政府堅稱紙本系統成本過高，並指出 2024 年處理紙本紀錄的費用超過 6.57 億美元。
From a security perspective, the SSA argued that electronic payments are much safer. Data shows that paper checks are sixteen times more likely to be stolen or lost than digital transfers. Additionally, the Treasury Department reported a large difference in cost; a paper check costs about $3.07 to process, which is twenty times more expensive than an electronic transfer. Consequently, ending the use of paper checks is expected to save the government a significant amount of money every year.
從安全角度來看，社會安全局認為電子支付要安全得多。數據顯示，紙本支票被盜或遺失的可能性是電子轉帳的 16 倍。此外，財政部報告指出成本差異巨大；處理一張紙本支票約需 3.07 美元，比電子轉帳貴 20 倍。因此，停止使用紙本支票預計每年將為政府節省大量資金。
Most beneficiaries have already switched to electronic methods. By June 2026, fewer than 1% of Social Security recipients were still using paper checks. To help the remaining people, the SSA offers several options, such as the 'My Social Security' website and the Direct Express debit card for those without a bank account. However, the Treasury Department will allow some exceptions. For example, waivers may be granted for people with documented mental health issues, those living in very remote areas, or for specific national security reasons.
大多數受益人已轉用電子方式。到 2026 年 6 月為止，僅有不到 1% 的社會安全金領取者仍在使用紙本支票。為了協助其餘人士，社會安全局提供了數個選項，例如「My Social Security」網站，以及為沒有銀行帳戶者提供的 Direct Express 簽帳金融卡。然而，財政部將允許部分例外情況。例如，對於有證明之心理健康問題者、居住在極偏遠地區者，或基於特定國家安全原因者，可授予豁免。
Conclusion
The federal government will stop sending paper benefit checks by the end of 2026, meaning all eligible recipients must use electronic payment methods.
聯邦政府將在 2026 年底前停止發送紙本福利支票，這意味著所有符合資格的領取者必須使用電子支付方式。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Connector' Leap: From Simple to Sophisticated
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop writing sentences like a list and start writing them like a web. A2 students use 'and', 'but', and 'because' constantly. B2 students use Logical Transition Markers to guide the reader.
🛠️ The Upgrade Map
Look at how this text replaces basic words with 'Power Connectors':
| Instead of saying... (A2) | Use this... (B2) | Context from the Text |
|---|---|---|
| And / Also | Furthermore / Additionally | "Furthermore, the administration asserted..." |
| So | Consequently | "Consequently, ending the use of paper checks..." |
| But | However | "However, the Treasury Department will allow..." |
🧠 Why this matters for your fluency
In the B2 world, we call these cohesive devices. When you use "Consequently," you aren't just adding information; you are telling the listener: "I am now about to explain the direct result of the previous fact."
🔍 Linguistic Spotlight: The 'Passive' Shift
Notice the phrase: "waivers may be granted."
An A2 student would say: "The government may give waivers."
The B2 Secret: By using the passive voice (be + past participle), the focus shifts from who is doing the action to what is happening. This makes your English sound more professional, objective, and academic.
Pro Tip: Use "may be [verb]ed" when you want to describe a possibility in a formal rule or law.