The digital world just became less optional. As of September 30, 2025, the federal government has stopped issuing paper checks for benefits like Social Security. Payments are now deposited directly into bank accounts or onto prepaid debit cards – methods that require not only access to financial services but also the ability to navigate online systems.
This is just the latest in a series of policy changes that assume universal internet access. From healthcare enrollment to unemployment benefits, tax filing to student loan repayment, more essential services are now available only online. For many, this is a matter of convenience. For millions of others, it’s an added barrier that deepens existing inequities.
The Hidden Cost of Going Paperless
For people without reliable internet access, a computer, or the digital skills to use them, going paperless doesn’t save time – it locks them out. Consider older adults who may struggle to learn new systems, rural families with spotty broadband, or low-income households that can’t afford a device or monthly service plan. Without digital support, these individuals risk losing access to benefits and services that are critical to their well-being.
Why Nonprofits Are Essential Partners
Nonprofit organizations are often the first to step in when policy changes create new challenges for vulnerable communities. They are trusted messengers, providing hands-on support with everything from filling out online forms to setting up bank accounts. Yet, most nonprofits are already stretched thin. Expecting them to absorb the impact of federal digital mandates without additional support is unrealistic and unfair.
What Needs to Happen Now
If government agencies and philanthropic foundations want these transitions to succeed, they must invest in the nonprofits helping people navigate them. That means:
- Funding digital inclusion programs that provide devices, affordable internet, and digital literacy training.
- Partnering with trusted local organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities.
- Recognizing digital access as a basic need, not a luxury.
The move to eliminate paper checks is just one example of a larger shift: public life is going digital whether people are ready or not. Unless we act, millions will be left behind.
The Call to Action
Government agencies and foundations have an opportunity and a responsibility to make sure this transition doesn’t leave people in the dark. By supporting the nonprofits on the frontlines of digital inclusion, they can ensure that everyone has the tools, skills, and access they need to keep up with the pace of change.
The future of service delivery is online. Let’s make sure everyone can get there.
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