Goodbye, Government Paper Checks: What It Means for You

The era of government paper checks is coming to a close.

As of October 1, 2025, the federal government will no longer accept or issue most paper checks. Instead, electronic payments will become the standard.

This shift affects IRS tax payments, Social Security, Medicare premiums, VA disbursements, and more. While it may feel like one more digital hurdle, the change also reduces delays, cuts processing costs, and helps prevent fraud.

Here’s what you need to know.

 

Who’s Affected

Most households will feel this change in one of two ways:

1. Paying taxes: You’ll no longer be able to snail-mail a check with your tax return or estimated payments.
2. Receiving federal benefits: Social Security, VA, and other payments will move to direct deposit or a government-issued debit card.

Your New Payment Options

Starting October 1, here’s how you can send or receive money:

• Direct deposit: The safest and fastest method.
• IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS: Quick, secure options for paying taxes online.
• Direct Express® debit card: For those without a bank account.

Paper checks won’t be an option for most people.

Your New Receipt Options

Paper refunds become a thing of the past.

If you currently receive your federal tax refund via paper check, you’ll need to designate a digital delivery method:

• Direct deposit to a bank account 
• A reloadable prepaid debit card 

If you don’t already have a bank account, the Treasury recommends using a Direct Express prepaid debit card. To set up a Direct Express card, call the Go Direct® helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit www.godirect.gov.

Social Security, Medicare, VA, and other benefit checks go digital.

Physical benefit checks from Social Security, the VA, and other agencies will also cease. 

Recipients must adopt an electronic method:

• Direct deposit (preferred) 
• Direct Express card, for those without conventional bank accounts

Payees must also adopt an electronic method: 

If you were relying on a paper check currently to pay for Medicare premiums (deducted from a paper Social Security check), you’ll need to make alternate arrangements. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov under “Pay my premium."

Exceptions & Waivers

A limited number of people may qualify for a hardship waiver. This includes individuals with certain disabilities, those aged 90 and above, or those in remote areas without reliable banking access.

To request continuation via paper check for Social Security and other federal benefits, call the U.S. Treasury at 1-855-290-1545 or apply for a waiver by submitting form FMS 1201W:

• Fill out your information (Part A): Enter your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, claim number, etc., exactly as they appear in your benefit records.
• Select your reason (Part B): Choose the box that corresponds to your hardship (mental impairment, remote location, or age) and, where applicable, enter your date of birth if that box applies.
• Provide supporting detail (Part C): Write a brief explanation (1–2 sentences) describing why the hardship prevents you from receiving benefits electronically. 
• Certification & signature (Part D): You (or your representative payee, if applicable) must sign and date the form. 
• Mail the original signed copy to: U.S. Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center at  P.O. Box 650015/ Dallas, TX 75265-0015.

Keep in mind that waivers are not automatic and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You'll also need to submit a separate waiver form for each person and type of benefit check received.

Planning Tip from Open Window

The elimination of paper checks marks a shift in how we interact with the federal government. For most families, this transition will be smooth, even if some upfront work is required.

Direct deposit and tools like IRS Direct Pay not only satisfy the new rules, but they also help you get benefits faster and avoid the risks of mail delays or lost checks.

As with many financial changes, a little preparation today will save time, stress, and potential penalties tomorrow.

What To Do Now

Check your setup. 

If you already use direct deposit or online IRS payments, nothing changes.

Update your info. 

If you’ve moved or changed bank accounts, make sure your information is current with the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or VA.

Set up online access. 

Ask us to help you get familiar with the IRS Direct Pay tool at www.irs.gov/payments or to create an account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to help you stay in control.

Stay alert for scammers. 

Transitions like this create opportunities for scammers. Update your details only through official sites, such as IRS.gov or SSA.gov.

Can We Help?

If you’re unsure whether your setup is ready, or if a parent, relative, or friend may need help, let’s talk. We can walk you through the options and make sure your accounts are aligned with the new rules.

Most families will adjust smoothly. If you’d like help setting up Direct Pay, linking benefits, or updating your records, we’re here to guide you.

Reach out anytime at (775) 827-0670 or schedule a 'Quick Connection' at www.openwindow.com/connection.