WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced a major change that will impact millions of Americans who still receive federal benefits by mail. Beginning September 30, 2025, the federal government will officially phase out most paper checks and move entirely to electronic payments.
This shift marks the final step in a decades-long effort to modernize the way Americans receive their Social Security, Veterans benefits, and other federal payments.
Why the Government Is Ending Paper Checks
Treasury officials explained that electronic payments are safer, faster, and more reliable than paper checks. Fraud, theft, and delivery delays have long been issues with mailed checks, while direct deposit and prepaid debit card options significantly reduce these risks.
“Ending paper checks has been a bipartisan goal for years, and now it’s becoming reality,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “This change will make payments more secure and ensure hardworking Americans get their money on time.”
The Treasury also emphasized that most Americans will not need to take any action, since nearly 99% of federal benefit recipients already receive their money electronically.
Who Needs to Act Before the Deadline
If you are among the small number of people still receiving a paper check, you will need to switch to direct deposit or a prepaid debit option before September 30, 2025.
This includes those receiving:
- Social Security payments
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans benefits
- Federal retirement benefits
- Other recurring government benefit checks
How to Enroll in Direct Deposit
The Treasury has provided several simple ways to make the switch:
- Contact the federal agency that issues your benefits (Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.) and ask to set up direct deposit.
- Visit GoDirect.gov, the official enrollment site for federal electronic payments.
- Call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857, available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET.
Options for People Without Bank Accounts
If you don’t have a bank account, you still have secure ways to receive your benefits:
- Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® – A Treasury-sponsored prepaid debit card that allows you to access funds electronically each month. You can sign up by calling 800-967-6857 or contacting your paying agency.
- Opening a safe, low-cost bank or credit union account – Resources are available at FDIC: Get Banked and MyCreditUnion.gov.
Protect Yourself From Scams
Officials are warning beneficiaries to be alert for scammers posing as government representatives. Always:
- Verify requests by visiting official government websites.
- Never share personal or banking information in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.
- Ask a trusted friend, family member, or your bank if you are unsure about a message.
The Treasury stressed that legitimate agencies will never threaten you or demand immediate payment to “set up” your benefits.
The Benefits of Electronic Payments
- Faster access – Money is available immediately on payment day.
- More secure – Reduces fraud, theft, and lost checks.
- Convenient – No need to visit a bank or wait for mail delivery.
Treasury leaders are urging beneficiaries not to wait until the last minute. “Switching to direct deposit or Direct Express now will make sure there are no delays in your benefits once the change takes effect,” Secretary Bessent said.
Starting September 30, 2025, paper checks for most federal benefit programs will no longer be issued. If you are still receiving your payments by mail, take action today to ensure uninterrupted access to your money.
For more details and official enrollment instructions, visit:
GoDirect.gov