Executive Order (EO) 14247 "Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account" transitions federal payments to electronic methods. Starting September 30, 2025, most federal payments that are currently made by paper check—including Social Security benefits and tax refunds—will be made electronically.
Find out if you need to take action
Already getting your federal payments deposited into your bank or credit union account or a prepaid card? You do not need to take any action - you are all set!
If you are still receiving a paper check for your federal payments, it's time to switch to an electronic payment method. Keep reading to learn how to set up safe, secure electronic payments.
Stay Alert for Fraud & Scams
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. If you're unsure, ask a trusted source, like your bank, a friend or family member for help.
Learn More About How to Avoid Government Impersonation Scams
Need to sign up for direct deposit or ask questions about your federal payments?
You can choose one of the following options to sign up to get your federal payments by direct deposit:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Phone: (888) 332-7411
Department of Labor (Black Lung)
Main: (202) 693-0046
Toll-Free: (800) 347-2502
Email: DCMWC-public@dol.gov
Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of Labor OWCP/DCMWC
P.O. Box 8307
London, KY 40742-8307
Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (800) 827-1000 (TTY: 771; Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET.) For international direct deposit updates, call (918) 781-7500 (Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET.)
You can learn how to receive your Veterans payments electronically at Change Your Direct Deposit Information | Veterans Affairs
To set up direct deposit in person, go to your nearest VA regional office. Find your nearest VA regional office.
If you don't have access to the internet or a phone, you can update your direct deposit information with the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (VA Form SF-1199a).
If you are a veteran or caregiver and don't have a bank or credit union account, you can open one through the Veterans Benefits Banking Program. Go to the Veterans Benefits Banking Program website for more information.
Internal Revenue Service
Visit Modernizing payments to and from America's bank account | Internal Revenue Service to learn how to prepare for tax time.
Office of Personnel Management (Civil Service)
Phone: (888) 767-6738
Retirees and survivor annuitants can sign up to receive payments by direct deposit or change their account information at Start or Change Direct Deposit | OPM.
Social Security Administration (for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income)
Phone: (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778; Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time)
Learn how to receive your Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments electronically at Direct Deposit | Security Administration.
Find more information from the Social Security Administration about the transition to electronic payments at:
- Social Security Matters Blog: Social Security Transition to Electronic Payments—Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Do Before September 30
- Publication: Your Payments While You are Outside the United States
- Frequently Asked Questions:
You can call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (877) 874-6347, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET. to set up direct deposit for benefit payments.
You can sign up for direct deposit at GoDirect.gov if you receive payments by paper check from the following federal agencies:
- The Social Security Administration (for SS and SSI)
- Department of Labor (Black Lung)
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Railroad Retirement Board
- Defense Finance and Accounting Service
- Office of Personnel Management (Civil Service)
Don't have a bank account where you can receive direct deposit?
If you do not have an account, you can open one at a bank or credit union of your choice and sign up to get your payments deposited directly to that account. Shop around to find the account that best fits your needs.
To get started, you can go to FDIC/GetBanked and MyCreditUnion.gov to learn more about how to open an account.
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 have an eligible account, you can ask to receive your benefit payments through the Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® by calling (800) 333-1795 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. CST to sign up.
Not sure what to do?
Read frequently asked questions about EO 14247.
To get help, a good first step is to contact the federal agency that makes your payments and follow their instructions.
You can also call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center for help signing up for direct deposit for your benefit payment at (800) 967-6857, Monday– Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET.