Go Direct: Direct Deposit for Social Security & Federal Benefits

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will pay all federal benefit and non-tax payments electronically. Benefit recipients can choose to receive their payments by direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express®Debit MasterCard® card account.

Act now to get your money safely and quickly – on time, every time!

  • Retiring or applying for federal benefits soon? Be ready.
    If you will apply for federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, you will need to choose your preferred electronic payment option when you enroll to receive benefits from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management or Department of Labor (Black Lung). Find out what you'll need on hand.
     
  • Already getting federal benefits payments by paper check? Switch today!
    You will need to make the switch from paper benefit checks to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Learn more or sign up now.

If you do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, or at the time you apply for federal benefits, you will receive your payments via the Direct Express® card so you will not experience any interruption in payment.

If you are already receiving your federal benefit payments electronically, this change will not affect you.

Receiving SSI or SSDI? This applies to you, too.