AMERICUS — People still receiving paper Social Security checks only have a few more weeks to set up an account to have their payments deposited electronically.

Beginning March 1, the U.S. Treasury will no longer mail paper checks. The policy applies to those receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management, Department of Labor (black lung) benefits and other non-tax payments. Tax refunds are not included in the law, but the IRS encourages people to also use electronic deposit to ensure a quicker refund.

The new policy was announced in 2010, but as of last month there were still five million checks being mailed monthly. Georgia ranks as one of the top 10 states with a high volume of Social Security payments still being made by paper checks. The treasury estimates an annual savings of $1.5 million if the 138,000 paper checks issued for Georgia recipients were converted to electronic payment.

When the new law was announced, 90 percent of federal benefit payments were already being made electronically. The treasury estimated a savings of $1 billion over 10 years by converting the remaining payments. Additionally the Treasury says electronic payments are safer and more convenient.

How to sign up for electronic payments

People have two options for their electronic payments. They can have deposits made to a checking or savings account or they can sign up for the Direct Express Card, a Treasury recommended pre-paid debit card.

If you do not already have a checking or savings account, you can visit a local bank or credit union to establish an account. Many banks offer special accounts for senior citizens.

If you already have a checking or savings account, you can set up direct deposit by calling (800) 333-1795 or visiting their bank or credit union. Electronic deposits can also be set up online at godirect.org.

You will need the following information to set up electronic payments to your existing checking or savings account:

Social Security number or claim number

Your financial institution’s routing transit number (this is usually found on your check, or you can ask your bank)

Account number and type of account (checking or savings)

Those opting for the Direct Express Card can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795. The Direct Express Card can be used to make purchases or receive cash. There are no sign-up, monthly account or overdraft fees. However, there are other fees associated with the card.

The cardholder gets one free ATM cash withdrawal for each deposit posted to the account each month, provided the withdrawal is made through an approved ATM network. There is a 90-cent fee for additional withdrawals. However, a person can make withdrawals through bank or credit union tellers.

The cardholder will receive one free card per year, but will be charged $4 replacement cards. Additional information about fees associated with the card is available at godirect.org.

Those who do not sign up for electronic deposit to a checking or savings account may automatically receive a Direct Express Card.

Exemption

The Treasury Department will grant exceptions to the rule only in rare circumstances. Automatic waivers are granted to people born on or before May 1, 1921. Check recipients living in remote areas without sufficient banking options may apply for a waiver, as well as check recipients for whom electronic payments would impose a hardship due to a mental impairment. Waiver applications can be requested by calling 800-333-1795.