Status of Federal Checks

All S.S.A., O.P.M. and V.A. checks are mailed to recipients from the United States Department of Treasury via international priority airmail. However, as of 2005 residents of Bermuda were given the opportunity to have their Federal Benefit checks directly deposited to a Butterfield Bank or Bank of Bermuda account. To sign up for Direct Deposit, customers can contact any Butterfield Bank or Bank of Bermuda branch.

If you choose to continue to have your check mailed to you via international mail, please be aware that it can be delayed by strikes, inclement weather or other mishandling. If your check has not arrived as scheduled, the Consulate will assist you in trying to determine the problem.

It is suggested that recipients keep a record of checks received: date, amount, agency (SSA, VA, etc.) claim number shown and whether the check indicates "replacement." This information assists in resolving problems with the non-receipt of subsequent checks and in avoiding the issuance of duplicate checks. Overpayments result from the cashing of both original and duplicate checks and may cause interruption in continuing payments or the cost of refunding a duplicate payment.