The days of waiting for that tax refund check or Social Security check to arrive in the snail mail are over. Instead, the U.S. Treasury wants to get you your money more quickly and securely.
As of September 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury will no longer issue and mail paper checks. Instead, they will pay benefits and issue tax refunds electronically – through direct deposit into a savings or checking account or through an electronic benefits debit card.
While changes like this can pose a slight inconvenience, SAFE members can rest assured that their credit union is here to help them through this transition.
If you would like to sign up for direct deposit with SAFE, you can start the process on safecu.org or schedule an appointment so we can set aside time to assist you with setting everything up, answering your questions, and ensure you have the information you need to successfully enroll.
An additional benefit with direct deposit at SAFE is Early Payday! With Early Payday, directly deposited federal funds are accessible up to five days early.*
Schedule an appointment to learn more about direct deposit at SAFE with Early Payday today.
For Do-It-Yourselfers
If you prefer to set up direct deposit with SAFE on your own, there are some options.
- Go to the U.S. Treasury's Go Direct® website to learn what documents and information you’ll need and a link to the enrollment process.
- Call the S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at 877-874-6347.
Information You’ll Need to Enroll
You’ll need to gather a few things before you go through the enrollment process.
- Recipient’s Social Security number
- The 12-digit check number of the last federal benefit check OR the 8- to 10-character claim number or payee’s identification. Can’t find it? If you deposited it with SAFE, we can provide that information for you.
- Name and address of the recipient.
- Exact payment amount of the most recent federal benefit check.
- SAFE’s routing number: 321173742
- Checking or savings account number (also called the ACH number) where the funds will be directly deposited. That can be found on a SAFE Credit Union check or in Online Banking or the SAFE Mobile App under “account details.” Helpful tips on locating your account number with SAFE.
SAFE is here to help you through life’s little twists and turns. If you have any questions or want help setting up direct deposit with SAFE, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you!
*With Early Payday, SAFE may make incoming direct deposits made through ACH available for use up to two days before the scheduled payment date. Early availability of direct deposits is not guaranteed and may vary from deposit to deposit. Funds availability may depend on when we receive the originator’s instructions, any limitations we set on the amount of early availability, and fraud prevention screening. Funds not eligible for Early Payday deposits or credits to your account, include deposits of physical checks or remote check deposits, and other online transfers or electronic credits. Early access to funds sent directly from the federal government may get paid up to 5 days early. Federal tax refund deposits are subject to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) timing and applies to federal tax returns filed directly with the IRS. Federal benefit payments, such as government payroll, pension, or other government benefits payment made through ACH may also be paid up to 5 days early.
