In 2005, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Treasury) and the Federal Reserve Bank
(FRB) began a campaign named “Go Direct®” to increase direct deposit for U.S. Government payments. The Social Security Administration
supports this effort.
Effective May 1, 2011, Treasury requires nearly all individuals filing for Title II
and Title XVI benefits MUST select either the direct deposit option or the Direct
Express® debit card option during the interview process for Social Security benefit
payments. When discussing direct deposit during initial claims interview refer to
GN 02402.005C.
NOTE: There are rare instances that would permit exemptions from Treasury's electronic
payment requirement. For more information, see GN 02402.001B.
Treasury and FRB work with partners to assist beneficiaries in receiving their benefits
directly into their accounts at financial institutions. Some of these partners are
banks, credit unions, social service agencies, community-based groups, and other organizations
that are familiar to the beneficiaries.
The Go Direct® message reaches beneficiaries in various ways, including letters, rallies, media
outreach, and websites in English and Spanish. You can visit these websites at https://godirect.gov/gpw/faq or call Go Direct® at 1-800-333-1795 (English) and 1-800-333-1792 (Spanish).