These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1What changed
Since September 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury has stopped most paper checks. Social Security, SSI, VA and other federal payments now go by direct deposit or on a Direct Express debit card.
People who still got paper checks were not switched for free automatically. They need to sign up.
You can ask"Do you get Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal check? How do you get it now?"
You can ask"Do you have a bank or credit union account? Do you have photo ID?"
You can say"Your money is not gone. We just need to set up a safe place for it to land."
2Option 1: Direct Express card (no bank account needed)
Direct Express is a free debit card from the Treasury. The benefit goes on the card each month.
There is no sign-up fee, no monthly fee and no overdraft fee. They get one free ATM cash withdrawal for each deposit, and free cash from a bank teller.
U.S. Department of the Treasury - Direct Express
Direct Express card enrollment (federal benefits on a debit card)
800-333-1795
· Enrollment Center Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Eastern (7am-5pm Mountain). Card customer service 24/7 (number on back of card).
Bring
- Social Security number
- which benefit they get
- a recent check or award letter if they have one
- a mailing address
The card comes in the mail. Use the Mission address if they have no safe address.
3Option 2: A low-cost bank account and direct deposit
A "Bank On" account has low or no fees and no overdraft charges. Some open even after past bank trouble.
WaFd Bank - Silver City branch
Fresh Start second-chance checking account (Bank On certified)
575-388-1903
1301 N Hudson St, Silver City · Mon-Thu 8:30am-4:30pm; Fri 8:30am-5:00pm; closed Sat-Sun
Wells Fargo - Silver City Main branch
Clear Access Banking low-cost checkless account (Bank On certified)
575-956-1500
1201 N Pope St, Silver City · Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm; closed Sat-Sun
Bring
- Photo ID
- Social Security number
- a mailing address
Then give the account and routing numbers to the agency that pays them. Many banks can also set up direct deposit for them at the desk.
See the guide "Needs a bank account or a safe way to cash checks".
4Tell the agency where to send the money
Social Security and SSI: change it online with a my Social Security account (ssa.gov), by phone, or at the office.
Social Security Administration
National line (benefits, SSI, replacement card)
800-772-1213
· Mon-Fri 8am-7pm local time; online 24/7
Social Security Administration - Las Cruces office (serves Grant County)
SSI, disability, retirement and replacement Social Security cards
866-563-9294
2141 Summit Ct., Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 9:00-4:00
VA payments: call the VA or ask the Veterans Service Officer.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA benefits hotline
800-827-1000
· Mon-Fri 8am-9pm ET
5Watch out for scams
Social Security, the VA and the Treasury will never call, text or email asking for a card number, PIN or a fee to keep benefits. Hang up and call the real number in Find Help.
Never give someone else the Direct Express card or PIN.
See the guide "Was scammed or had their identity stolen".
More help like this
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.Wants help making a budgetMake a first budget on paper, even with very little money. Include a plan for what to do if essentials do not fit.
See all guides in Money and benefits →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.