Avoid Delay: If You Still Receive a Federal Payment by Check, here are Options to Secure Your Payments

September 30, 2025

Washington, D.C. - Effective today, most federal payments currently made by paper check-including Social Security benefits, Veterans benefits, and other federal payments-must be made electronically, under Executive Order (EO) 14247 "Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account ".

For most Americans already receiving payments by direct deposit or prepaid debit card, no action is required. For those still receiving paper checks, enrollment resources and guidance are available at MyMoney.gov/FederalPayments.

Direct deposit is a safer, faster, more convenient way of receiving benefits. Don't delay-make the switch to an electronic payment method today.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Always beware of government impersonation scams. Before responding to a request, verify the source by contacting the agency using a website or phone number you know is real.

Public Awareness Campaign

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal Service) has partnered with other Treasury offices and federal agencies on a nationwide campaign to solicit feedback, educate the public about the transition away from paper checks, and support electronic payment enrollment. In May 2025, Treasury issued a Request for Information that generated nearly 250 comments, offering valuable insights on access challenges, implementation barriers, and ways to reach the small share of Americans still relying on paper checks.

Treasury has sent over 1.5 million updated check inserts to recipients and vendors with transition guidance. Since March, Treasury's Electronic Payment Solution Center has processed more than 184,000 new electronic enrollments on behalf of benefit agencies, in addition to the conversions managed directly by those agencies.

Benefit agencies have complemented this effort with their own outreach through online messaging, direct mail, and process updates to help ensure a smooth transition.

What's Next

Existing electronic payment waiver procedures remain in effect until further notice. Fiscal Service is reviewing guidance related to waivers and will continue to coordinate closely with paying agencies to ensure that affected individuals and entities receive clear information and support before new procedures go into effect. Executive Order 14247 also directs that all payments made to the Federal Government shall be processed electronically as soon as practicable and to the extent permitted by law. The public should continue to follow payment instructions provided by the federal agency to which payment is owed.

For additional information, see previous announcements from the Treasury Department and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.