The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that federal paper checks will end on September 30, marking a historic shift to electronic payments for millions of Americans.
The change affects recipients of Social Security, Veterans benefits, and other federal payments who still receive paper checks.
The move aims to reduce fraud, eliminate mail delays, and modernize a payment system that has relied on paper checks for decades. Most federal benefit recipients already receive electronic payments and won’t need to take action.
“Reducing paper checks has been a longstanding bipartisan goal that our administration is finally putting into action. 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,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.
Recipients who are still receiving paper checks through the mail have several enrollment options for direct deposit. They can call their federal paying agency, enroll online at GoDirect.gov, or contact the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857.
Those without bank accounts can open one through FDIC-sponsored resources or sign up for the Direct Express Debit Mastercard. The Treasury-sponsored debit card allows electronic benefit deposits without a traditional bank account.
Treasury officials warned recipients to watch for government impersonation scams during the transition. They advised verifying any requests through official agency websites or known phone numbers before providing personal information.
The September deadline gives remaining paper check recipients roughly six weeks to switch to electronic payments. Direct deposit offers faster access to funds, typically arriving days earlier than mailed checks.