Direct Deposit
Direct deposit functions like depositing a physical check without the additional step of receiving the check yourself. The transfer happens entirely online, and that makes direct deposit more convenient, less time-consuming, and more secure than using paper checks. Direct deposit is a popular way to get your paycheck, but that isn’t the only use. Eight out of 10 taxpayers get their refunds by using Direct Deposit. It is simple, safe and secure. This is the same electronic transfer system used to deposit nearly 98 percent of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts. Combining direct deposit with electronic filing is the fastest way to receive your refund.
First Payment
For all new claims, the first payment is usually sent by paper check.
Payment options
The Employment Department pays benefits electronically either by a U.S. Bank ReliaCard® Visa debit card or direct deposit. If you don’t apply for direct deposit, you will be sent a ReliaCard®.
Direct deposit
With direct deposit, we electronically transfer your weekly benefit payment into your checking or savings account at your bank, credit union, or savings and loan. To apply for direct deposit you will need your routing and account numbers.
To apply:
- Use the Online Claim System and select “electronic deposit,' or
- Print the Authorization for Electronic Deposit Form and send it to us. Note: Due to our current workload, mailing or faxing these forms to us will delay your direct deposit. Using the Online Claim System is the quickest way to receive direct deposit.
You can locate the Authorization for Direct Deposit form online at Forms.
Important: When applying for electronic deposit review your bank and routing information carefully to ensure accuracy. The Employment Department has no control over your electronic payment after the payment is issued.
When you sign up for direct deposit it takes up to 2 weeks to verify your account information. During the verification period, you will receive payment by paper check. Submitting additional requests for direct deposit, before the verification process is complete, will cause the system to begin a new verification process and delay your direct deposit set-up.
ReliaCard® Visa
With the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® Visa, we deposit your payments onto a prepaid debit card. This card can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted.
Please watch for the card in the mail. It will arrive in a white envelope with an Indianapolis, Indiana return address. Don’t throw it away, even if you sign up for direct deposit. If your direct deposit were to fail for any reason, we automatically switch back to payment by ReliaCard®. When we process payments for a regular UI or PUA claim, it typically takes 2 business days, excluding holidays, for that payment to show up on your ReliaCard®.
When you receive your card, call the toll-free number on the card to activate it. You can access your ReliaCard® account information online at ReliaCard® or by calling their customer service center at 1-855-279-1270.
Direct Deposit Stimulus 2020
The Employment Department will never ask you to pay to access your unemployment benefits.
The Employment Department does not use any other outside company to get you your benefits. All communications about your benefits will come directly from the Employment Department, not from an outside company. If you are asked to send money or pay to access your benefits, be aware that this is a scam.
Direct Deposit Form Wells Fargo
- If someone asks you to send them money in order to receive your benefits, contact oregonconsumer.gov or call 877-877-9392 to report the scam.
- If you get an email or text you think may be from a scammer posing as the Employment Department or legislator, first, do not click on any links and do not respond. You can file a complaint at oregonconsumer.gov or call 877-877-9392.
If you apply for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, a new law went into effect March 1, 2013, requiring that you receive your payments electronically. If you did not sign up for electronic payments when you applied for benefits, we strongly urge you to do it now. If you still receive checks, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will contact you about complying with the requirement. For more information regarding switching to an electronic payment, visit Treasury’s Go Direct website or call the helpline at 1-800-333-1795.
Direct Deposit Form
It's safe, quick and convenient.
Treasury can grant exceptions in rare circumstances. For more information or to request a waiver, call Treasury at 855-290-1545. You may also print and fill out a waiver form and return it to the address on the form. Waiver Form
What Information Is Needed For Direct Deposit
If you already are receiving benefits, you can create a my Social Security account and start or change Direct Deposit online. You also can sign up at your bank, credit union, or savings and loan.
Or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).