08/20/2025
On August 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the federal gov-
ernment will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments on September 30, 2025.
If you are one of the few people who still receives a federal benefit check, it’s time to
switch to an electronic payment method.
“Reducing paper checks has been a longstanding bipartisan goal that our administration
is finally putting into action. Thanks to President Trump, this will help reduce fraud and
theft. It will also remove delays that prevent hardworking Americans from receiving their
vital payments,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.
No action is required for the vast majority of Americans who already receive federal ben-
efit payments electronically.
If you are still receiving a paper check for Social Security, Veterans benefits, or any other
federal benefit, enroll in direct deposit using one of the following options.
• Call the federal agency that pays your benefits and follow their instructions for enroll-
ing in direct deposit.
• Enroll online at GoDirect.gov
• Call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00
p.m. ET
If you do not have a bank account to receive direct deposit you can safely access resources
to open an account at FDIC: GetBanked or MyCreditUnion.gov.
You can also sign up for a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®. Direct Express® is a
Treasury-sponsored debit card where you can receive your monthly benefit payments
electronically. Individuals without a bank account can sign up by calling Treasury’s Elec-
tronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857 or by contacting their paying agency
directly.
Always beware of government impersonation scams. Before responding to a request,
check it out and, verify it by contacting the agency using a website or phone number
you know is real. If you’re unsure, ask a trusted source, like your bank, a friend or family
member for help.