Treasury Department to End Paper Checks for Federal Benefits This Fall

The Treasury Department announced it will stop issuing paper checks for most federal benefit payments starting September 30, 2025, urging remaining check recipients to switch to electronic payment methods before the deadline.

The move is part of a broader effort to modernize federal payments, reduce fraud, and speed up access to funds. According to Treasury officials, the vast majority of benefit recipients already receive their payments electronically, but a small percentage still rely on paper checks.

“Reducing paper checks has been a longstanding bipartisan goal that our administration is finally putting into action,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “This will help reduce fraud and theft. It will also remove delays that prevent hardworking Americans from receiving their vital payments.”

What it means for benefit recipients

Anyone who currently receives federal benefits such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, or retirement payments by check will need to transition to direct deposit or another electronic option before September 30.

No action is required for those already enrolled in electronic payments. For everyone else, the Treasury is encouraging recipients to act early to avoid disruptions.

How to make the switch

Recipients can:

• Sign up for direct deposit through their bank or credit union.
• Enroll online at GoDirect.gov using bank account information.
• Apply for a Direct Express Debit Mastercard, a Treasury-sponsored prepaid card that automatically receives monthly payments.

Those without a bank account can find assistance through the FDIC’s “Get Banked” initiative or MyCreditUnion.gov.

Key agency contacts for switching payments

• Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213
• Department of Veterans Affairs: (800) 827-1000
• Railroad Retirement Board: (877) 772-5772
• Department of Labor (black lung benefits): (800) 347-2503
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service: (800) 321-1080
• Office of Personnel Management (Civil Service Retirement): (888) 767-6738

Help is also available at the Electronic Payment Solution Center: (800) 967-6857, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

Warning about scams

The Treasury Department is also urging recipients to be cautious of fraudsters posing as government officials. “Before responding to a request, check it out and verify it by contacting the agency using a website or phone number you know is real,” officials said.

End of an era

The policy change marks another step away from paper-based payments. It comes just months after the U.S. Mint confirmed plans to wind down production of pennies once its remaining stock of coin blanks is exhausted — signaling a broader transition toward digital and cashless transactions across the federal system.