Applying for Federal Benefits Soon?
You Must Choose an Electronic Payment Method!
If you are applying for these federal benefits, you are required by law to receive your payments electronically.
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans Affairs
- Railroad Retirement Board
- Office of Personnel Management
- Department of Labor (Black Lung)
You must choose to receive your payments through direct deposit to your bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card when you apply for federal benefits. This will ensure you get your federal benefit payments in the safest, most reliable way possible.
When you’re ready to apply, you should contact the government agency that is providing your federal benefit payments. Click on one of the logos below to visit that agency's website.
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Direct From Day One
If choosing direct deposit, make sure you have your:
- Financial institution's routing transit number*
- Account type - checking or savings
- Account number*
With direct deposit, the U.S. Treasury sends an electronic message to your bank or credit union crediting your account with the exact amount of your benefit.
*This information is often on personal checks.
If choosing the Direct Express® card, notify your federal benefit agency at the time you apply for federal benefits.
Direct Express® Card
The Direct Express® card is a Treasury-recommended prepaid debit card for federal benefit recipients.