On March 25, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to phase out paper checks for all disbursements, including benefits, tax refunds and vendor payments, by September 30, 2025. The Executive Order is intended to reduce government costs and security risks inherent with paper-based payments.
Because of this mandate, recipients of benefits such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who currently receive checks are required to enroll for direct deposit of these benefits. Financial institutions can play a role in assisting these recipients with the enrollment process.
According to Chapter 1 of the Green Book on Enrollment for Federal Payments, there are several enrollment methods an individual may use for direct deposit of Social Security and SSI benefits. These include self-enrollment and contacting one’s financial institution.
1. Self-Enrollment
a. Via the Go Direct® website at GoDirect.gov. Check recipients will select “Enroll Now” from the navigation menu, agree to the terms of the Security Notice Warning then click on “General Public.” They will be required to enter details from their last benefit check and their personal information to complete the enrollment.
b. By contacting the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1.877.874.6347. Again, details from their last benefit check and personal information will be required.
2. Financial Institutions
a. Via the Go Direct® website by clicking on the “Financial Institution” option after selecting “Enroll Now” and agreeing to the Security Notice Warning.
b. By contacting the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1.800.333.1795.
c. By transmitting an ACH batch containing an Automated Enrollment Entry (ENR), which can be created through their ACH software program or provider.
Additional details on Go Direct® for financial institutions and ENRs can be found on page 1-4 of the Green Book, Chapter 1 on Enrollment for Federal Payments. This page also includes a link to the Go Direct Reference Guide for Financial Institutions and Corporations. Detailed ENR format mapping is located on page 1-27.
The Nacha Operating Rules & Guidelines is an excellent resource for formatting an ENR Entry Detail Record and Addenda Record; reference Subpart 3.1.11 within Appendix Three. An ENR Entry does require inclusion of a Transaction Code, which indicates the type of account to which the payment will be processed. For direct deposits destined to a checking account, a financial institution should input a Transaction Code of “23,” and if directed to a savings account, “33” is to be used.
While the Executive Order aims to make all payments electronic, there are exceptions allowed for individuals without banking or electronic payment access, certain emergency payments and other special cases, as well as for payments made to the federal government. For unbanked benefit recipients, the U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends the Direct Express® card, a prepaid debit card payment option.
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