Electronic Benefits Will Not Be Mandatory

People who receive government payments by check will not be switched to electronic delivery unless they request it, the Treasury Department announced Thursday.

In a preview of final regulations expected in July, the Treasury said it would make electronic delivery optional for everyone.

The Treasury will also require federal agencies to inform beneficiaries about their payment options.

The Treasury's long-awaited regulations implement a 1996 law requiring the government to make all federal payments to individuals electronically by Jan. 1, 1999.

Currently, the government cuts 58 million checks per month, of which 68% are deposited electronically.

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