Switch to Electronic Federal Benefit Payments Now!

January 24, 2013

If you still receive a paper check for your disability, veterans’, Social Security retirement, or other federal benefit payments, you are required by law to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.

It’s fast, free and easy to sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795. Wait times are usually minimal. Call now to avoid delays near the deadline.

For direct deposit, you can also sign up online at www.GoDirect.org or by visiting your bank or credit union.

Why Electronic Payments?

Receiving federal benefit payments electronically means senior citizens, people with disabilities, veterans and others can experience significant advantages compared to paper checks, including:

  • Safety – No risk of lost or stolen checks.
  • Ease – No need to make a special trip to cash or deposit a check.
  • Reliability – Payments are on time, every time.
  • Cost-Savings – Saves taxpayers $120 million each year.

Choose Your Payment Option

Before making the switch, decide which payment option you would like. If you are unsure, you can call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795 and learn about your options. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two electronic payment options:

  • Direct deposit. If you have a checking or savings account, sign up to get your money by direct deposit. Your federal benefit payment will go straight into your account on payment day each month. On time, every time.
  • Direct Express® card. If you don’t have a bank account or prefer a prepaid debit card, switch to the Direct Express® card. Your money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. There’s no need to wait for the mail or to make a special trip to cash a check. You can make purchases and get cash back with purchases at no charge anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org.

More information, including instructional videos on how direct deposit works and how to use the Direct Express® card, is available at www.GoDirect.org.