US kicks-off e-billing countdown

security and other federal benefit recipients must receive their payments electronically, NCNewsPress.com reports.

She urged the remaining 10% who have not yet made the switch to do so now and help taxpayers save $1 billion over 10 years.

Rios says in a Market Watch report: "The switch to electronic payments is a win-win for federal benefit recipients and for taxpayers.

“It provides a safer, more secure, more convenient way for Americans to access their federal benefits, while also improving government efficiency and delivering more than $1 billion in savings. The sooner everyone makes the switch, the sooner we'll realise those benefits."

Currently, about 90% of social security and supplemental security income payments are being made electronically, Chron.com notes.

For the first time in recent history, the number of monthly paper cheque payments for social security, veterans affairs and other federal benefits has dropped to approximately seven million - down from a high of 11 million in 2010.