Posted On: September 17, 2025 by Prevail Bank in: Banking / Money Management
Sunset of Most Paper Treasury Checks
The U.S. Department of the Treasury will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments on September 30, 2025. The change effects paper Social Security checks, Veteran benefits checks, and any other federal benefit payment check.
Persons still receiving a paper check for Social Security, Veterans benefits, or any other federal benefit payment need to enroll in direct deposit.
Call the Federal agency that pays the benefit and follow their instructions for enrolling in direct deposit.
- Social Security Administration (for SS an SSI): 800-772-1313, or https://www.ssa.gov
- Department Labor (Black Lung): 800-347-2503
- Department of Veterans Affairs: 800-827-1000, or https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit/
- Railroad Retirement Board: 877-772-5772
- Defense Finance and Accounting Service: 800-321-1080
- Office of Personnel Management (Civil Service): 888-767-6738
- Enroll online at: GoDirect.gov
- Call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857, Mon.– Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Receiving federal benefit payments electronically means funds are available same day and you don’t have to worry about mail being lost or stolen from your mailbox. Sign up for direct deposit today!
Talk to a banker for more information
Background on the change
On March 25, 2025, the President signed Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, the purpose of such was to promote operational efficiency in delivering payments by the Federal government to beneficiaries of certain payments. According to the order, Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Pursuant to the Order, effective September 30, 2025, Treasury is to cease issuing paper checks for all Federal disbursements inclusive of certain payments listed in the Order. The Orders sets forth minimum exceptions to accommodate for the phase out of paper checks. The exceptions include individuals who do not have access to banking services or electronic payments systems; certain emergency payments where electronic disbursements would cause undue hardship; national security- or law enforcement-related activities where non-EFT transactions are necessary or desirable; and other circumstances as deemed by Treasury, as reflected in regulation or other guidance. Individuals or entities that qualify for an exemption are to be provided with alternative payment options by Treasury or applicable agency.
Towards the end of May, Treasury published in the Federal Register a notice seeking information and feedback from individuals and organizations about implementation of the Order and to make recommendations to increase public awareness to help consumers transition to digital payments.
