The federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments on Sept 30, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The change applies to Social Security, Veterans benefits and any other federal benefits.
“Reducing paper checks has been a longstanding bipartisan goal that our administration is finally putting into action,” Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said. “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.”
For Americans who already receive federal benefit payments electronically, no action is required. For those still receiving paper checks, the Treasury urges them to enroll in direct deposit. This can be done one of three ways: on GoDirect.gov, by calling the federal agency that pays the benefits and following their instructions, or by calling the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
Americans who do not have a bank account can safely access resources to open an account at FDIC: GetBanked or MyCreditUnion.gov. They also can sign up for a Direct Express Debit Mastercard to receive monthly benefit payments electronically at 800-967-6857.