VA STOPPING PAPER CHECKS: WHAT VETERANS NEED TO KNOW AFTER THE DEADLINE
As of September 30, 2025, the Treasury stopped issuing paper checks for most federal payments, including all VA benefits. This affects millions of Veterans who previously received their payments by mail.
If you missed the deadline, here’s what to do next—taking action quickly will help prevent delayed or suspended benefits.
Why the Change Happened
Executive Order 14247, signed in March 2025, directed all federal agencies to digitize payments. The Treasury found that paper checks were 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, or delayed than electronic deposits, and cost taxpayers over $650 million annually.
By shifting entirely to electronic payments, the Treasury aimed to protect beneficiaries from fraud and expedite access to funds.
What It Means for Veterans
Because VA payments are processed through the Treasury Department, all Veterans receiving benefits by mail were required to switch to electronic payments before the September 30, 2025, deadline.
Those who didn’t switch are experiencing disruptions. Payments may be delayed, withheld, or returned until new banking information or another approved option is provided.
The VA no longer mails paper checks unless recipients have an approved waiver due to verified hardship, disability, or a lack of banking access. Waivers are rare and reviewed individually.
What Veterans Should Do Now
If you still haven’t updated your payment information, take immediate action to avoid missing future benefits.
1. Set Up Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is the fastest, safest, and preferred method for VA payments. You can update your information through your VA.gov profile, by calling 800-827-1000, or by submitting Standard Form 1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form).
Direct deposit ensures that your payments arrive on time every month and eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks.
2. Enroll in the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)
If you don’t have a bank account, the Veterans Benefits Banking Program connects you with participating banks and credit unions offering low- or no-cost checking accounts. The program helps Veterans, particularly those in rural areas, transition to electronic payments.
Through the VBBP, Veterans can safely receive their benefits, gain access to financial education, and avoid predatory banking fees.
If you don’t want a traditional bank account, the Treasury offers the Direct Express Debit Mastercard. Benefits load automatically each month for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted or for cash withdrawals at ATMs. Cash withdrawals may have fees from $1.50 to $3.00, unlike fee-free direct deposit withdrawals. This saves you money and gives full benefits access.
3. Request a Hardship Waiver (Only in Exceptional Cases)
If you live in an area with no access to banking services or face a verified hardship or disability that prevents you from using electronic payments, you can apply for a waiver to continue receiving paper checks. To begin, contact the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center to discuss your situation and confirm your eligibility. You may need to provide documentation proving your hardship, lack of access, or qualifying disability.
To request a waiver, complete FS Form 1201W (Request for Payment of Federal Benefits by Check) and submit it to the Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center. You can also call 1-855-290-1545 for assistance completing the form, understanding eligibility, or guidance on supporting documentation.
Waivers are granted in extreme circumstances and are approved only after the Treasury has reviewed your supporting documents. If your waiver is approved, you will be notified directly by the Treasury. Otherwise, you must select an electronic payment method to receive your benefits.
What to Expect if You Missed the Deadline
If you missed the September 30, 2025, cutoff, your paper check payments are likely delayed or paused. Once you set up an electronic payment, your benefits resume automatically, including any back pay. Updates typically process within 7-10 business days, allowing you to better plan your finances.
However, it can take several weeks for changes to process, depending on how you update your information. Acting quickly will help you avoid further delays.
Protect Yourself from Scams
The VA and Treasury warn that scammers are already targeting Veterans. Be wary of anyone contacting you claiming to be from the VA or Treasury and offering to "help set up" your direct deposit.
Use the mantra "Stop, Confirm, Proceed" to verify the caller before complying. Official agencies will never ask for your full Social Security number, bank login, or PIN by phone or email.
Always update payment details directly through VA.gov, by calling 800-827-1000, or at a verified VA Regional Office.
Why It’s Important to Act Immediately
Missing even one deposit can cause serious financial problems for those who rely on VA benefits. Electronic payments are faster, safer, easier to track, and less likely to be lost or delayed.
Treasury officials stress that switching now will ensure your payments continue uninterrupted. The VA’s move to stop paper checks is a permanent modernization step designed to protect veterans from fraud and late payments.
Take Action Today
The VA stopping paper checks means that payments by mail are no longer available. If you haven’t switched, you’re already at risk of missing your benefits.
Act now: set up direct deposit, enroll in the Veterans Benefits Banking Program, or get a Direct Express card to restore payments. You earned these benefits, so don’t let paperwork delay them. You served your country; now let your benefits serve you.
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BY NATALIE OLIVERIO
Veteran & Senior Contributor, Military News at VeteranLife
Navy Veteran
Natalie Oliverio is a Navy Veteran, journalist, and entrepreneur whose reporting brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to stories that matter most to military families. With more than 100 published articles, she has become a trusted voice on defense policy, family life, and issues shaping the...
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Natalie Oliverio is a Navy Veteran, journalist, and entrepreneur whose reporting brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to stories that matter most to military families. With more than 100 published articles, she has become a trusted voice on defense policy, family life, and issues shaping the...
