Natalia
The federal government is making a final push to stop mailing paper checks for federal benefits, including Social Security, SSDI, and SSI.
If you still get a check in the mail, you must switch to an electronic payment method now to avoid delays or missed payments.
This change isn’t new—Treasury has been phasing out checks for years—but there’s a firm deadline ahead.
The goal is simple: make payments safer, faster, and more reliable for beneficiaries.
What’s Changing — And When
- Deadline: Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments. If you currently receive a paper check, you need to switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card.
- No action if you’re already electronic: If your Social Security payments already arrive by direct deposit or Direct Express, you’re set. Keep your bank info up to date and you’re fine.
Why this is happening: Federal rules already require electronic payments for federal benefits, and Treasury tightened the rules in 2024 to reduce exceptions.
Electronic payments are safer and cheaper than checks, and by FY 2023 about 96% of Treasury-disbursed payments were already electronic.
Why Electronic Payments Are Better (And Safer)
- Lower risk: Electronic payments (like direct deposit) are 16× less likely to have post-payment issues (lost, misdelivered, or delayed) than paper checks.
- Fewer delays and theft: Treasury notes checks are far more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or delayed, so moving to electronic reduces fraud and headaches.
- Cost savings: Treasury has documented that paper checks cost significantly more to issue than direct deposits; moving away from checks saves taxpayer money.
What You Must Do Immediately
If you still receive a paper check, choose one of these two official options:
Option 1: Direct Deposit to Your Bank or Credit Union (Recommended)
- Best for: Anyone with a U.S. checking or savings account who wants funds deposited straight into their account.
- How to enroll (pick one):
- Go to GoDirect.gov and enroll online.
- Call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–7 PM ET) or 800-333-1795.
- Sign in to my Social Security to start or change direct deposit (for Social Security benefits).
- Ask your bank or credit union to send your direct-deposit info electronically to SSA (many institutions can do this for you).
- What you’ll need: Your routing number, account number, and account type (checking/savings).
- Processing time: Allow 1–2 payment cycles for changes to take effect. You may receive a final paper check while your enrollment completes.
Option 2: Direct Express® Prepaid Debit Card
- Best for: People who don’t have a bank account. Funds are deposited to your Direct Express card each month.
- How to enroll: Sign up via GoDirect.gov or call Treasury’s enrollment help desk (numbers above).
- Key features: No cost to sign up, no monthly fees, one free ATM withdrawal per deposit at in-network ATMs; out-of-network surcharges may apply.
- FDIC insurance: Funds on the Direct Express card are FDIC-insured (card issued by Comerica Bank).
Quick Comparison: Your Choices at a Glance
| Payment Method | Who Should Choose It | How to Enroll | What You Need | Timing / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit (Bank/Credit Union) | Anyone with a checking/savings account who wants the fastest, safest transfer | Enroll at GoDirect.gov, call 800-967-6857 or 800-333-1795, update via my Social Security, or ask your bank to submit info | Routing number, account number, account type | Takes 1–2 payment cycles to switch; avoid last-minute delays |
| Direct Express® Card | Unbanked beneficiaries or those who prefer a prepaid option | Enroll at GoDirect.gov or by phone (see above) | SSN and benefit details; no bank account needed | No monthly fees, one free ATM withdrawal per deposit in-network; possible surcharges out-of-network |
| Waiver (Rare) | People who qualify for limited exceptions | Request via Treasury’s waiver process | Documentation of hardship/eligibility | Exceptions are rare; call 855-290-1545 for details |
Who Is Affected?
- Still on paper checks? You must switch to direct deposit or Direct Express before September 30, 2025 to avoid a payment delay.
- Already electronic? No action needed—just make sure your bank info is current.
- Representative payees: If you manage benefits for someone else, you can (and should) set up direct deposit using an account properly titled to show your fiduciary role and the beneficiary’s ownership; individual representative payees can do this via my Social Security as well.
What If You Don’t Have a Bank Account?
You can still receive benefits electronically:
- Choose Direct Express® (no bank account needed).
- Or open a low-cost account—Treasury and FDIC provide resources to help you Get Banked.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, but they’re rare. Federal law requires electronic payment of federal benefits, and Treasury narrowed waivers in 2024.
If you believe you qualify for a hardship or special case, call Treasury at 855-290-1545 to discuss a waiver.
Two Important Timelines to Know
- Past mandate: Treasury announced in 2011 that all existing paper check recipients must switch by March 1, 2013—that’s when the modern shift began.
- Current push: Treasury’s August 14, 2025 notice sets September 30, 2025 as the date when paper checks will be phased out for most federal payments, with more direct instructions for beneficiaries.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch in 15 Minutes
- Pick your method: Direct deposit (bank/credit union) or Direct Express® (no bank needed).
- Gather info: Bank routing + account number (if choosing direct deposit).
- Enroll:
- Online at GoDirect.gov (fastest), or
- Call 800-967-6857 or 800-333-1795, or
- Sign in to my Social Security to start/change direct deposit (for SSA benefits).
- Confirm and monitor: Changes can take 1–2 payment cycles, so enroll before the deadline to avoid any gap.
Avoid Scams While You Switch
- Never give personal or banking info to unexpected callers.
- Use only official websites and phone numbers (GoDirect.gov, SSA.gov, 800-967-6857 / 800-333-1795).
- Treasury warns to verify any request before responding; when in doubt, contact the agency directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already get my Social Security by direct deposit. Do I need to do anything?
No. If you’re already receiving benefits electronically, you don’t need to do anything. Just keep your bank details updated in my Social Security if they change.