Executive Order (EO) 14247 "Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account," transitions federal payments to electronic methods. Beginning September 30, 2025, most federal payments that are currently made by paper check—including Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and vendor payments—will be made electronically.
More than 95 percent of federal payments are already made electronically. If you already receive your federal payments electronically, you do not need to do anything. You are all set!
If you still receive Social Security, Veterans benefits, or any other federal payments by paper check, it's time to switch to an electronic payment method such as a direct deposit into a bank or credit union account. You can sign up using one of the following options:
- Contact the federal agency that makes your payments and follow their instructions for signing up for direct deposit. Contact information for federal agencies can be found online at MyMoney Federal Payments.
- Sign up online at GoDirect.gov.
- Call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800)-967-6857, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Open a bank account and sign up for direct deposit using on of the steps listed above.
EO 14247 requires that Treasury stop issuing paper checks effective September 30, 2025, to the extent permitted by law. Legally, the federal government must continue to issue certified payments and will issue a limited number of paper checks in cases where no alternative is available.
If you do not already have an account, you can open one at a bank or credit union to receive your federal payments by direct deposit. You can access resources to open an account at FDIC: GetBanked and MyCreditUnion.gov.
You may be able to receive your federal payments by direct deposit on certain mobile apps and prepaid debit cards if they have a routing and account number. You can check with your mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to use.
If you do not already have an eligible account, you can also ask to receive your federal benefit payments on the Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® by calling the Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800)-967-6857, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ET
The routing number identifies your bank, and the account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Together, they provide the information needed to send money to your account. You can find your routing and account numbers at the bottom of a check, in your online or mobile banking account, or by asking your bank.
You can find your routing and account numbers
On a personal check
- Routing number: The first 9 digits at the bottom left.
- Account number: The set of digits just to the right of the routing number.
- Check number: Usually the last set of digits (this is not the account or routing number).
- Online or mobile banking
- Log in to your bank's website or mobile app.
- Go to "Account Details" or "Direct Deposit Information." Most banks usually list your account and routing numbers here.
- Ask your bank
- Call your bank's customer service number, or
- Visit a bank branch and ask a teller.
Keep your routing and account numbers private, only share them with trusted parties.
To get help, a good first step is to contact the federal agency that makes your payments and follow their instructions for signing up for direct deposit. Contact information for federal agencies can be found online at MyMoney Federal Payments.
You can also call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800)-967-6857, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET.
If you receive certain federal benefit payments like Social Security or Veterans benefits, you can sign up for direct deposit at GoDirect.gov.
Always beware of government impersonation scams. Before responding to a request, check it out and verify it by contacting the federal agency using a website or phone number you know is real. If you're unsure, ask a trusted source, like your bank, a friend, or family member for help.
You can learn about how to recognize and avoid scams at How To Avoid a Scam | Consumer Advice.
Government vendors should register for electronic payments by updating their SAM.gov registration with valid bank account information.
Yes, EO 14247 applies to IRS tax payments.
You should continue using existing forms and procedures until further notice. The IRS expects to issue all guidance and information necessary for filing 2025 taxes in early 2026, before opening tax filing season.
Yes, electronic payment methods like direct deposit are a safe and widely used way to receive your federal payments. Instead of printing and mailing a paper check which can be lost, delayed, or stolen, Treasury sends your payment directly to your bank, credit union, or Direct Express® card account. Your money goes directly into your account, ready for you to use.
The EO allows for limited exceptions in certain cases where electronic payments are not feasible.
Under current regulations, an individual receiving a non-tax federal benefit payment may request a waiver if payment by Electronic Funds Transfer would impose a hardship due to a mental impairment or due to the individual living in a remote geographic location lacking the infrastructure to support electronic payments. You can request a waiver for a non-tax federal benefit payment by contacting the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center – Waiver Line at 1-855-290-1545.
Treasury intends to revise the regulations governing waivers for payments to and from the federal government in response to the EO. Treasury is aware of significant financial access challenges faced by certain individuals and communities, and expects to work with federal agencies to provide assistance and information to these groups about any regulatory changes.
Yes, the EO applies to both payments to and from the federal government. While no deadline is specified for payments to the federal government, over time, the federal government will stop accepting paper checks and money orders to receive payments, with limited exceptions.
You should plan to switch to electronic payment methods as the federal government undertakes this transition. Federal agencies will provide support and guidance throughout this process. You can already make non-tax payments electronically at Pay.gov.