The Treasury Department is phasing out paper check payments and requiring federal benefit recipients to get their money electronically. This includes people who receive paper Social Security and Supplemental Income checks as well as other federal benefits. You can choose to get your payments directly deposited at a bank or credit union or to a Direct Express MasterCard account. If you are currently receiving benefits by a paper check you must switch by March 1, 2013. If you do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013 you will receive your payments by the Direct Express card so you will not experience any interruption in payment. If you are already receiving benefits electronically, this change will not affect you. The time to choose is now. For more information call your local Social Security office or go online at www.ssa.gov.