Treasury ending paper benefit checks March 1

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The U.S. Treasury Department says Alabamians are still receiving federal benefits though more than 112,000 paper checks each month. They have less than four months remaining to say whether they want to switch to direct deposit or Direct Express debit cards.

The department is moving to all-electronic payments for federal benefits starting March 1, and those who don't select will be switched to Direct Express debit cards so they don't miss a payment.

The Treasury Department says more than 1.1 million payments in Alabama are already made each month using Direct Express cards or direct deposits to banks and credit unions.

Those who haven't make a choice can call toll free 1-800-333-1795, visit the website www.GoDirect.org , or talk to their local federal paying agency office.