Big change ahead: The federal government is phasing out paper checks for both Social Security and IRS tax returns. Here’s how to set up direct deposit before the deadline!

Paper Government Checks Are Going Away—Here’s How to Be Ready

Paper checks are officially on the way out.

Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will no longer send paper checks for benefits such as Social Security payments, tax refunds, or other government payments.

Instead, everything will move to direct deposit or a prepaid card.

For some, this change feels overdue—direct deposit is faster, safer, and more reliable. But if you’re still using paper checks, don’t worry. We’re here to help you keep your wild dreams on track!

Here’s how to make the transition simple:

 account with us, you’re good to go to the next step!

If you don’t already have a checking or savings account with us, now’s the perfect time. New accounts are quick to open, taking only five minutes and five dollars to get started. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing your money goes straight into a trusted, accessible, and local account.

Don’t already have a membership or account?

Easy Direct Deposit is only the beginning. Explore all the ways we’re helping your social security and IRS checks go further with 


Our routing number is: 272483743. When you need it in the future, it’s always easy to find in your orsa app or at the bottom of our website.


In digital banking, tap the account you want to use, then tap the eye icon under MICR Number to see the account number you’ll use for all direct deposits.


This is what Social Security or the IRS will use to send your deposits directly.

 for tax refunds and enter your orsa account details from step 2. If you’d like, stop by a 

—we’ll be happy to walk you through it.

With our digital banking, you can set up instant alerts to let you know when your deposit hits. No more waiting by the mailbox or wondering when the check will clear.

We know change can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. Our team is here to make sure you’re set up and confident before paper checks disappear for good. 

Switching to direct deposit isn’t just about compliance. It’s about speed, security, and convenience. Your money gets to you faster, without the risk of losing a check in the mail. And with our digital tools, you’re in control every step of the way.

Why trust us with your federal direct deposit

Boost your social security check by up to $1,000 


Get paid just for getting direct deposit! Earn up to $1,000 for opening a new CloseEnuff™ checking with direct deposit. 

Learn More

Save more, faster with 10% APY* High Yield Savings 


Build savings quickly with 10% APY* on your first $1,000, plus a boosted rate beyond that. 


We're a for-impact community credit union dedicated to the success of our local communities and neighbors... not global balance sheets. That means we do what's right for members and Michiganders every chance we get. 

Paper checks may be going away, but your money isn’t. We’ll make sure it always lands safely where it belongs—right in your account.



! Or, if you prefer a helping hand, stop by your local branch or call our Michigan-based Care Center today at 

Member Checklist:
Be ready for the end of federal paper checks

Open a checking or savings account with us—if you don’t have one yet.

Log in to your orsa app and confirm everything is correct.

Set Up Direct Deposit with the U.S. Treasury

Social Security Administration: Get Your Payments Electronically

IRS: Direct Deposit Information for Tax Refunds

orsa, the credit union you knew as Community Financial Credit Union (CFCU)
Content before 2026 may contain references to our former name.

Paper Government Checks Are Going Away Blog Content

Paper checks are going away. Here’s what you need to know.

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Federal Paper Check Change

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Looking to make your Impossible Dreams possible? Your membership can help make it happen!

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Our Student Credit Union members saved $47,782 in 2024! All while learning how to save, plan, and manage their money for an impossibly bright future. And that’s only the beginning...

The Power of Student Credit Unions

Save. Spend. Give.

Saved by the Save. Spend. Give. Program in 2024!

Learning through doing:
Molding a money savvy future for Michigan

We believe that setting kids up with financial skills from a young age is one of the strongest ways to build economic prosperity in our communities. We’re working to help students in 50+ schools across the state learn by doing through our Student Credit Union program. From marketing to operations, the kids run it all. Giving them hands-on experience and financial knowledge that’ll help them thrive into the future.

Celebrating a 30-year partnership with Northville schools

In celebration of over 30 years of growing financial wellness in Northville Schools, we partnered with the district and the Northville Education Foundation to launch a $20 Student Savings Starter program. For any kindergartener and fifth grader in the district who opened a CFCU account we’d deposit the first $20 on us! The extra boost for kids helped drive an overall 30% jump in SCU membership across the state in 2024.

Beyond the experience gained, the impacts of the student credit unions truly add up with $47,782.39 saved among all students for an average account balance of $359.27 per student in 2024. At well over $300 bucks, that’s more than the median checking account balance in the lowest percentile of US households in 2022!* And a great start for the kids powering Michigan’s future.

Want to put your kid on the right track OR create a Student Run Credit Union at your school? Learn more about our 

, the next generation of our Student Run Credit Union!

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Ignite their Impossible Dreams

Your wild dreams don’t have to stop at retirement. Our president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, recently shared tips with MSN and Yahoo Finance on how to take control of your future and keep dreaming big.

Gen X & Retirement: Keeping Your Wild Dreams Alive | orsa credit union

Retirement might feel far away—but for Gen X, it’s closer than you think

, orsa credit union's president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, is sharing insights on how Gen X can take charge of their financial future and realize their wild dreams.

70% of Gen Xers say they can't afford to retire—They're right if they don't do these 8 things - MSN

Retiring in 2026? 6 financial traps to avoid at all costs - Yahoo Finance

Why retirement planning feels tough for Gen X

Between raising kids, helping aging parents, and building careers, it’s easy to push retirement to the back burner. But planning for your future isn’t selfish—it’s essential. As Tansley shared, the right steps now can give you the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed about later.

Here are a few takeaways from Tansley’s tips that can help get you get started today:

Automating savings means you won’t miss what you don’t see. A 

 savings tool or an automatic savings challenge, like our 

 can take the sting out of building savings by making it feel easy and routine.

Freeing up high-interest payments gives you more to save. If you're a member, you can take advantage of 

 to help boost your financial fitness and tackle debt that may be holding you back.

While banks are profit driven, local credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions. That means that they put the needs and goals of their members first, which can lead to lower fees, higher rates, and friendly services better crafted to help you hit your personal 

Retirement isn’t just bills and budgets—it’s about creating the freedom to live the life you want. That's why we've partnered with 

 to help you dream even bigger and guide your growth with retirement planning, investment services, 401k rollover services, and more.

 can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. As your Michigan-based, for-impact community credit union, we’re here to walk with you—helping you build a future where your 

Gen X Retirement blog content

Become an orsa Member

You Belong here, because we believe You Are Enuff

Not an orsa member yet?

Gen X & Retirement: Keeping Your Wild Dreams Alive

With over $71k raised, it’s safe to say that the orsa foundation’s second annual Pickleball for Good Fundraiser has been a huge success! Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and pickle-ballers, bringing the community together means bringing housing within reach for more Michiganders!

orsa credit union | $71k Raised at the 2025 Pickleball for Good Fundraiser!

 hosted our second annual Pickleball for Good Fundraiser—and we were blown away by the energy our community brought to the event! We’re thrilled that so many of you showed up, had a great time, and helped us raise over $71k for attainable housing in our communities—almost $11k more than last year!

The money that we’ve raised together will go directly to funding what the Relentless Care Foundation set out to do from the start: to bring housing within reach for more Michiganders.

Every penny raised is another step toward overcoming one of our state’s most pressing economic issues, and another Michigander who has the chance to break out of a hard financial cycle.

Step by step, you’re helping to build a better Michigan! More accessible housing leads to a stronger workforce, more mobile communities, and positive impact that spreads across the state!

While there’s still a lot of work to do, you’ve helped to prove that change is possible when a community shows just how much they care.

We’d like to thank all of our sponsors, donors, and attendees for making the Pickleball for Good Fundraiser a massive success! You should be proud of what you’ve done, and we hope you had a wonderful time!

If you have pictures from the event, tag @orsacreditunion on social media!

Stay up to date with the Relentless Care Foundation

If you missed it, we hope to see you at our next event. You can stay up to date with the 

 by following us on social media, and you can donate at any time 

orsa, the credit union you knew as Community Financial Credit Union (CFCU)
orsa foundation, the impact champions you knew as the Relentless Care Foundation
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Your Donation helps Michigan!

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$71k Raised at the 2025 Pickleball for Good Fundraiser!

Tansley Stearns, president & ceo of orsa credit union, shares how and why the Backbone coalition is uniting credit unions to share their stories and create a better future for us all.

Making 2025 the year of the credit union | orsa credit union

, a national coalition aimed at elevating the credit union story. What follows is an article from our president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, that originally appeared on 

Backbone Story Intro

From shared values to shared outcomes: Make 2025 the year of the credit union

I picked up my nearly 15-year-old daughter, MacKenzie, from her last camp of the summer on Sunday. 

In total, she was away for almost a month, attending three different camps. As we drove the three hours to pick her up, I thought about the experiences she had this summer. She attended Avid4Adventure in Colorado, where she spent ten days hiking, camping, rock climbing, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors while facing physical challenges. She spent a week at Spire Track Camp in Ohio, where she trained with Olympic Athletes and learned how to focus on sharpening her athletic and running endeavors. Finally, she spent ten days at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, where she majored in theater and minored in writing, honing her creative artistry.

I marvel at the diversity of these experiences and the passion she brings to all of them. After each camp, when I asked her which one was her favorite, she would rave about the most recent one and then reflect on how much she had enjoyed the other camps as well. She’s an outdoors enthusiast, a budding track athlete, and an actress who enjoys writing. The passion she has for one does not dim the enthusiasm she has for the others. As she grows into a young woman, having these multifaceted and unique passions makes her life fuller.

This range in my daughter’s life reminded me of the power of credit union collaboration. When we launched 

, our CUSO and coalition aimed at elevating the story of our movement through earned media; it was imperative that organizations, as varied as our communities and passions, were engaged. As we shape our stories and create a vastly more consistent drumbeat through storytelling, we know that different people will see themselves reflected across the spectrum of credit unions, which truly represent the fabric of our country.

Across the Backbone coalition, stories include:

 branch location in Skagway to ensure the Alaskan community has more financial choices.

Vantage West Credit Union protecting airmen from predatory lenders and ensuring trusted alternatives.

WEOKIE Federal Credit Union and nine other Oklahoma credit unions coming together to elevate joy and community connection, showcasing the power of collaboration in action.

Westerra Credit Union, Tarrant County’s Credit Union, and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union illuminating the challenges of money dysmorphia and its implications for people who experience a distorted view of their financial situation.

Through ice storms, hurricanes, and wildfires, Community Financial Credit Union, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Redwood Credit Union, and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union standing shoulder-to-shoulder with communities during natural disasters, from crisis response to rebuilding to shaping the future.

Ent Credit Union funding Colorado’s first ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, leading to investments in childcare, youth programs, and affordable housing.

Credit unions playing a role in elevating financial health and overall wellbeing to minimize the impacts of financial stress and loneliness.

Parents standing as a financial partner to their growing teens with credit unions as a resource.

With 23 organizations sharing their unique stories, what shines brightly is the unified purpose and values credit unions bring to life for Americans from New York to California, from Arizona to Alaska, and from Maine to Michigan. Credit unions with millions of members, those with hundreds, and credit unions with broad opportunities to serve people across the country, as well as those with closely knit fields of membership, all remain grounded in a shared commitment to wellbeing, enabled by the financial cooperative model. Like MacKenzie’s divergent passions, across credit unions, our products may differ, our strategies may vary, and yet a thread of connection remains, and we must strengthen that thread. And as financial cooperatives, collaboration is a gift that can ensure we thrive for years to come. That happens when we see the common bonds that unite us.

As credit unions continue to evolve and share our story, people may have more questions about our differences. That creates an opportunity to unite, stand as a movement, and collaborate. To activate our unity, below are six steps we might take to strengthen our cooperation amongst cooperatives:

As quickly as the world moves today, it can be easy to forget how much collaboration and cooperation have fundamentally shaped the success of credit unions. Organizations like 

 began as credit unions collaborating to address common challenges. Over time, these two organizations represent our movement leading in payments and lending. These examples illuminate how solving problems together can accelerate progress, provide solutions for scaling, and enhance the service delivery credit unions bring to life. Consider recommitting to strengthening a legacy collaboration you are already part of and pilot a new one in the month ahead.

Creating robust collaboration is complicated. It requires identifying problems to solve, codifying the kinds of organizations that would be the best partners, and committing time and resources to co-create. If collaboration is not documented and expected within a credit union’s strategy, it is unlikely to be prioritized. Additionally, as collaboration is prioritized, it may still take time to identify the best opportunity, find the right partners, and then act. Integrating cooperation into strategy will position it well to be part of the organization’s future for the long term. It will also help people across the organization to identify possibilities.

As your team develops a set of standards around ideal collaboration partners, creating time and space to grow relationships and explore possibilities is key. Annually, our Community Financial Credit Union team hosts or visits at least two credit unions nationwide. This allows us to learn, uncover potential opportunities, and build trust. The first visit may not immediately result in a significant project. However, over time, teams and individuals continue to connect, elevate endeavors for the organizations to undertake together, and assess how those endeavors might grow and expand over time.

One way to enhance our organizational performance through collaboration is to identify our top five areas where we would like to see improvement and consider how working with other credit unions might fill these gaps or support improvement. While we often consider support service options as top choices for collaboration, which can be powerful, different areas can create improved outcomes. It could be becoming a stronger marketer and storyteller. It could be enhancing human potential strategies. It might be generating more thought power and elevating resources around artificial intelligence. Imagine if, each year, your organization enhanced one area in need of higher performance by fostering greater collaboration. This could multiply your impact and accelerate the credit union’s performance.

While all our organizations have areas where we can improve, we also possess unique strengths. These can also be a powerful source for collaboration. Consider the things that your credit union does regularly and well and invite another credit union to join you to multiply the impacts. This creates an opportunity to support and strengthen other credit unions and our industry more broadly. It may also provide additional resources to amplify that strength even further and make it more impactful.

Collaboration can reveal the full potential of what we can accomplish. With history as a guide and the constraints of a highly regulated environment, we may unintentionally limit our thinking about strategy, vision, and potential. Working with others can build resources, grow opportunities, and reduce constraints. Picture a future where credit unions are the leading AI strategists, the most relevant option for the next generation, and improve the overall wellbeing of Americans, starting with financial wellbeing. We can change the world, and doing so will happen faster, more powerfully, and with greater impact if we do it together. Our time is now.

Across our country, credit unions are the backbone that helps Americans stand tall and have the strength they need to weather the dark times and the partner that supports and elevates the joyful seasons. These credit unions are different. Some are small. Some are large. Some stay focused on serving a unified group in a region. Some serve millions across the country. Some strategize with scale as a priority. Some believe staying closely connected to their roots and history is their strength.

Like my daughter MacKenzie, who loves the wilderness, track, and theater, her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor shine just as brightly on a trail, during sprinting drills, or while running theater lines. As credit unions, each of us has differences in strategy or style. Those differences should never define us because our values and cooperative structure unite us. We all believe that this collaborative approach to finance is the best choice for people. If we unite, come closer, and align cooperatively, we can be the answer to financial pain and ensure Americans have the financial partner they deserve.

Let’s collaborate to ensure 2025 is the year of the credit union.

2025 Year of the Credit Union Blog Content

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Making 2025 the year of the credit union

We’re excited to continue bringing dreams to life in Detroit through the opening of our branch in the Motor City. 

We've Opened Our Doors in Detroit

It’s been a long time coming—from sponsoring the Detroit Roller Derby to helping raise funds for 14 new roofs in its Fitzgerald neighborhood through our 

 initiative—we’ve always had a special connection to Detroit.

Our Grand Opening celebration capped off the next step in supporting our neighbors in Detroit. A special shout-out to Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation Executive Director Michael Randall, Detroit City Councilmember Latisha Johnson, Detroit Blight Busters CEO John George, and Michigan State Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for taking part in this momentous occasion along with our 

Friends, community partners, and local leaders from around the state made it a night to remember. Thank you for sharing our vision and commitment for supporting Michiganders.

As a for-impact credit union, we do things a little differently, and this space reflects that. This branch is more than where you go to keep your finances in check. It’s a place where you can Belong and feel empowered to achieve the impossible.

Here are things you’ll notice about our new branch experience:

 Upon entering, our friendly team members are ready to welcome and walk with you toward your financial goals.

 for local groups to meet (during and after hours!).

What are ITMs? These new versions of ATMs offer all the same services as a traditional drive-thru experience, including upgrading the standard ATM experience with the option to connect with a Michigan-based team member through video chat. 

—the best of both worlds for your security and convenience.

Ready to experience the power of Belonging?

Our goal is to create a place where people can come together, whether it’s for financial guidance, community events, or just a friendly hello.

As we step into Detroit, we are proud to continue providing services that 

. We cannot wait to work with you and find out what we can achieve together. Wherever you are on your financial journey, we’re here for you through all of life’s moments.

Detroit Branch Opening

We've Opened Our Doors in Detroit!

What is The Family Financial Circle? It’s key to igniting your family’s wild dreams.

Families are built on more than shared DNA. They’re built on stories, lessons, and the values we pass down—often around the kitchen table. Money is a part of that story, whether we talk about it openly or not.

 means inviting every generation into the conversation—from kids learning about saving, to parents juggling big life goals, to grandparents enjoying retirement. It’s not just about building wealth; it’s about 

sharing the knowledge that keeps those wild dreams alive

How to build your Family Financial Circle:

It can be tough talk about money. Especially with your parents or kids. Getting over that deep rooted hangup will set your family on the track to success. Be open. Be transparent. Ask questions. Share not only the “how” but the “why” behind financial decisions.

If you don’t know the answer, it’s ok! As your credit union, we’re here to help. Not only can we answer questions, members can get 

, chart your own path with Fin-Life digital financial planning, and even get paid for making good financial decisions with our friends at 

. Learn more about all the ways we can help you build your 

Any pro will tell you, experience is the best teacher. To start off, it could be as easy as inviting the kids to help with budgeting for a family vacation or choosing a charity to support for your CloseEnuff

. And when they’re ready, give them the responsibility of their own debit card to start learning the ins and outs of earning and spending. For your peace-of-mind, the 

 kids debit card gives you total parental control. (Even better, it’s free for members!*) At over 50 schools across the state of Michigan, they can even earn while learning with our 

Because getting them comfortable handling money now will set them up for life on their own. (Even if, as parents, we never want to imagine that!)

Money carries on long after we’re gone. Even small steps like designating a beneficiary can make a difference for our children and heirs.

It’s not just about who to leave your money to, planning helps prepare the family to handle inheritance, debts, funeral costs, and divisive financial decisions, so they don’t feel further emotional distress. It also helps you ensure that the money you worked hard to earn goes where you want it as much as possible.

Knowing the discussion is tough, we’re stepping up to help. Members can save on 

 through our partners at Trust & Will to help craft a legacy that sets your family up for the future. And we can help support you with financial adjustments after the death of a loved one through our exclusive partnership with 

While planning for the dark moments that affect us all can be a hard step, it goes a long way toward keeping the Family Financial Circle, and your legacy, rolling forward.

Never skip a chance to party! Whether it’s paying off debt, buying a first car, your oldest graduating to a teen account, or a parent retiring, mark the moment together. Because when it comes to your money, every little bit counts. And life is meant to be celebrated with the ones we love!

The family the saves together grows together!

financial choices to our values and dreams

, we give the next generation the tools and confidence to write their own chapter—and keep the circle turning!

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If you’re struggling with common barriers to home ownership, we’re here to help break them down with our comprehensive credit union path to home ownership program.

h-Ope!®

h-Ope! Affordable Housing

h-Ope!® Affordable Housing

We proudly partner with school districts all over Michigan to bring awesome, real-world financial education to 1st through 12th graders in 50+ schools and counting!

The first program of its kind in the country, we’re working with Cancer Care Advocate Andy Janning to create compassionate and personalized support for those battling cancer.

Cancer Care Agents

Cancer Care Agent

In collaboration with the Local Impact Alliance, our orsa Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college bound orsa members each year!

Scholarships

Because You Are Enuff®, we’re here for you through all of life’s moments.

Community Initiatives

Walk with us®

*orsa customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their orsa account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, customers will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 2/19/2028. Offer subject to change and partner participation.

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