Right now, 138 thousand Georgians receive a paper check for federal benefits. But, that all changes on March 1 of this year. The Treasury Department is urging Social Security and other federal benefit recipients to switch now to either direct deposit or the direct express debit Mastercard. Switching to an electronic payment is not an option, it's the law. Switching is free and easy. all 1-800-333-1795. Concerting all social security checks to direct deposit is expected to save the government a billion dollars over the next 10 years. Before you call, gather your information, including social security number or claim number, the 12-digit federal benefit check number, and the amount of the most recent check. If choosing direct deposit, you'll also need your bank's routing transit number, your account number and account type. There are no fees to receive benefits electronically.