More than 120,000 Georgians still receive a paper check for federal benefits, but that all ends today.

The Treasury Department wants social security and other federal benefit recipients to switch now to either direct deposit or the Direct Express Mastercard.

Switching to an electronic payment is not an option, it's the law. Switching is free and easy. Call 1-800-333-1795 or go online to godirect.org.  

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, account number and account type. There are no fees to receive benefits electronically.