Get Your L&I Benefit Payments Quicker and Easier

Instead of waiting to get your benefit check through the mail, you may prefer the convenience of a debit card or direct bank deposit.

Change your payment method by following these steps:

Download the Payment Method Authorization form (F120-211-000) and fill it out completely.
The form is available in the following languages: Cambodian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), English, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Print the completed form and sign before sending. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
Fax the completed form to 1-360-902-4674.
OR
Mail to:

Department of Labor & Industries
Electronic Benefit Payment Services
PO Box 44834
Olympia WA 98504-4834

This form cannot be submitted electronically. Please do not email or submit the form through My L&I.

If you have questions or need help getting started, please contact us by email or call 360-902-4675, toll-free at 1-844-728-5204.

If I choose a debit card or direct deposit, can L&I view or track my banking activity?
No. For privacy reasons, details of your transactions are not shared with us.

Note: To make sure benefit payments are correct, we receive confirmation of the amount and date of L&I deposits to individual cards or bank accounts.

Can I still get my payment explanation that comes with my paper check?
Yes. L&I will continue to mail your payment explanations.

You can also sign up to get them online through Secure Message Center.

If I request a debit card, how long will it take to get my benefit payments on it?
Your debit card should arrive in 7 - 14 days.
- 24 hours after you activate your debit card, any payments issued by L&I will be loaded on the card. Previously issued payments cannot be transferred to the debit card.
- Until your new option takes effect, you will continue to receive your benefits through your current payment method.
- You can sign up through U.S Bank ReliaCard for email or text alerts when L&I deposits funds.

Will all of my payments from L&I come on the debit card?
No. L&I will continue to mail you a paper check to the address we have on file for some payments:
- Payments of $10,000 or more will mail out as a warrant (check).
- Reimbursements for travel and out-of-pocket medical expenses — these payments come out of a different system.

Will I be able to use my debit card as a savings account?
No. Your U.S. Bank ReliaCard is not a savings account.
- The balance is limited to $40,000. If a new payment from L&I causes your debit card balance to go over $40,000, the system will automatically mail you a check to the address we have on file.
- U.S. Bank does offer an optional savings account attached to your debit card. Find out how to set one up at U.S. Bank ReliaCard.

If I move to another country, can I still get L&I payments on a debit card?
Yes. However, some additional fees may apply.
- The fees are typical for bank account debit cards used outside the country.
- U.S. Bank offers services with the debit card, including online bill payment and an optional savings account.
- Learn more about U.S. Bank ReliaCard's fees and services.

What fees does the bank charge for using my card?
U.S. Bank charges a few fees, but not many.
- Their fees are typical for bank account debit cards.
- U.S. Bank offers services with the debit card, including online bill payment and an optional savings account.
- Learn more about U.S. Bank ReliaCard's fees and services.

How long does it take for direct deposit to go into effect?
The bank verification process usually takes 4 – 7 business days but may take up to 30 days for your direct deposit to go into effect.

During that time, you will continue to receive your benefits through your current payment method.

Can I use direct deposit for a bank account in another country?
No. Federal banking rules do not allow direct deposits to foreign banks.