Starting Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments, including tax refunds, vendor payments, and benefit payments such as Social Security and Veterans benefits.
If you still receive a federal benefit check, now is the time to switch to an electronic payment method. There are several ways to enroll in direct deposit, including:
If you do not have a bank account to receive direct deposit, you can find resources to open an account at FDIC: Get Banked or MyCreditUnion.gov.
You can also sign up for a Direct Express Debit Mastercard, a Treasury-sponsored debit card where you can receive your monthly benefit payments electronically. To sign up, call the Treasury's Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857 or directly contact their paying agency.
President Trump issued an executive order in March 2025 to phase out the issuance of paper checks to promote operational efficiency and reduce financial fraud and improper payments. To comply with the order, all executive departments and agencies must transition to electronic funds transfer (ETF) methods, such as direct deposit and prepaid card accounts.
Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Administration urges those who still receive paper benefit checks to enroll in electronic payments before Sept. 30 to avoid any disruption in payments. Social Security beneficiaries can manage direct deposit through their personal my Social Security account. Income recipients and international beneficiaries can call 1-800-772-1213 for help. Those without a bank account can enroll by visiting USDirectExpress.com or by calling 1-800-333-1795.
Temporary checks are no longer available for initial claims and those seeking an exemption must file a waiver with the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347. For beneficiaries with no other way to receive payments, the Social Security Administration will continue to issue paper checks.
Veterans Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has also issued guidance on electronic payment options for those still receiving paper benefit checks for VA pension payments, disability compensation, and education payments. The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) can connect beneficiaries with a bank to create an account. Beneficiaries can set up direct deposit by phone by calling 800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. For international deposit updates, call 918-781-7550 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. To set up direct deposit in person, visit the nearest VA regional office. Those who need to change existing direct deposit information can learn how to do so here.
The U.S. Treasury warns beneficiaries to beware of government impersonation scams when switching to electronic payment methods. Before responding to a request, investigate and verify it by directly contacting the agency using a real website or phone number.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us.