CARSON CITY, Nev. — Beginning in December, Nevadans receiving unemployment benefits will get their weekly money on a debit card rather than a paper check, the state has announced.

Nevada's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is converting the system saying it will not only save the state money but improve service to the recipients.

In the existing system, the state prints and mails 800,000 checks to more than 120,000 recipients every year, the Department said. Program administrators have said in media reports that the state will save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Further, it will not be necessary to have a bank account to use the debit card, and those who don't have a bank account will no longer have to pay fees to cash their checks.

Those receiving benefits will be able to access their money through ATM machines statewide and, in fact, nationwide. They can make two free withdrawals per month from any ATM and use the debit card at all merchants who accept credit cards and unlimited cash back from a teller at any bank displaying a Visa logo.

The division has already begun mailing recipients notifications explaining the program, including how to opt out for those who would prefer to continue receiving paper checks.