EEasy Filing Hub

Federal Employment

Federal Direct Deposit Sign-Up (Form SF-1199A)

Set up direct deposit for federal payments.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

No government fee

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

1 to 2 pay cycles

Category

Federal Employment

Who qualifies

Eligible recipients of federal salary, military pay, federal pensions, or government benefits seeking direct deposit to a U.S. financial institution.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Fill Out Payee Information

    Provide your name, address, Social Security number, and federal agency claim or reference details in Section 1.

    Watch out: A mismatched name or incorrect Social Security number will stop processing entirely.
    Common rejection reason: Mismatched personal identification details between your federal records and bank records.
  2. 2

    Identify Your Agency

    Specify the paying government agency and the payment type, such as active duty salary or retirement benefits.

    Watch out: Listing the wrong agency delays routing of your deposit authorization.
    Common rejection reason: Blank or ambiguous agency identification numbers or program names.
  3. 3

    Get Financial Institution Certification

    Have your bank or credit union complete Section 3 to verify your routing number, account number, and title.

    Watch out: Some banks require an in-person visit or official bank stamp to complete this section.
    Common rejection reason: Missing financial institution representative signature or invalid routing transit number.
  4. 4

    Submit to the Paying Agency

    Send the completed form directly to the federal agency issuing your payments, not to the U.S. Treasury.

    Watch out: Do not close your old bank account until your first deposit posts to the new one.
    Common rejection reason: Form mailed to the wrong federal department or incomplete banking section.

Documents you'll need

  • Voided Check or Bank Letter

    Verifies your account number, account type, and nine-digit routing number.

    Note: Must match the exact account holder name listed on Section 1.

  • Government Claim or Employee ID Document

    Confirms your federal claim number, civilian employee number, or military identifier.

    Note: Ensures the paying agency correctly links the request to your record.

  • Completed Form SF-1199A

    The standardized form completed by both the payee and the financial institution.

    Note: Both payee and financial institution sections must be signed.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

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Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.