Federal Government to End Paper Benefit Checks September 30; United Way Suncoast’s BankOn Program Provides Local Solution
Starting September 30, the U.S. government will no longer issue paper checks for most federal benefit payments, including Social Security, Veterans benefits, and IRS refunds. The nationwide shift is aimed at reducing fraud and theft; however, in Florida, the transition could create significant challenges for residents without access to traditional banking.
Florida is home to approximately 750,000 unbanked residents, representing 3.2% of the population. Another 3.45 million Floridians rely on alternative financial services such as check-cashing outlets. For many, these changes mean they must act quickly to secure direct deposit options or risk delays in receiving their federal benefits.
The issue is especially pressing in the five-county region served by United Way Suncoast—Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, DeSoto, and Manatee—where more than 11% of residents who rely on alternative financial services reside. Populations most at risk include seniors, individuals in rural communities, and residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
To ease the transition, United Way Suncoast is promoting its BankOn Suncoast program, a coalition of more than 20 financial institutions offering certified accounts designed to be safe, affordable, and accessible. These accounts feature direct deposit, no overdraft fees, low or no monthly fees, debit cards, online bill pay, low-balance alerts, and mobile banking tools.
BankOn Suncoast provides a pathway for residents to establish secure accounts, ensuring uninterrupted access to benefit payments. United Way Suncoast encourages individuals who currently rely on paper checks to take action before the September deadline.
For more information and to explore account options, residents can visit www.BankOnSuncoast.UnitedWaySuncoast.org.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action for all. We give families and community members across our five-county footprint the “Freedom To Rise.” Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on uniting the region to generate support for hard-working families that stand one unexpected expense away from dire circumstance. We elevate early learning, energize middle school and high school youths and empower community members through financial security. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves. We enhance the community by addressing emerging needs such as natural disasters, and we expand the capacity of our nonprofits to help our impact ripple through the region. Along the way, we lead, convene and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners and valued volunteers because we know – United We Rise, United We Win.