Goodbye, checks: State governments move to paying by debit cards, direct deposit

Goodbye, checks: State governments move to paying by debit cards, direct deposit
Following the federal government's lead, state governments are migrating more payments -- for everything from unemployment to child support -- away from paper checks.

But while some experts hail the move to debit cards and direct deposit as safe and convenient for consumers, it also brings a list of rules, restrictions and fees that can trip up consumers who don't do their homework.

The movement away from getting government payments via checks is clear. The federal goverment soon will mandate that payments be received by direct deposit or debit card. For recipients of state benefits and state-administered payments, the same holds true: For many, debit cards and direct deposit are now the only ways to receive payments.