U.S. Treasury Phasing Out Social Security Paper Checks

The U.S. Treasury Department continues to make strides toward electronic efficiencies by publishing a final rule to phase out the mailing of paper checks for federal benefit payments. Effective May 1, any person applying for Social Security, Veterans Affairs,or other federal benefits will need to select an electronic payment method. The option of receiving a paper check is no longer available. Recipients currently receiving their federal benefits by paper check must switch to one of the electronic payment methods by March 1, 2013.The Go Direct Campaign being launched by the Treasury is expected to put the word out to the public.The two methods now available for receiving federal benefits are direct deposit (into a bank checking or savings account) OR the DirectExpress card. The Direct Express card is a Debit MasterCard that will be”re-loaded” monthly with the federal benefits due the card holder.