Teachers are strongly encouraged to cash or deposit checks as early as is convenient. The expiration date will be listed on the check and is 90 days from the date of issuance. If checks are NOT cashed or deposited prior to expiration, they will NOT be automatically reissued without additional confirmations required from participants.
As a reminder, there is no expectation and there is no rule that teachers use this financial incentive for work-related expenses. Please see: What can I do with the money I receive as part of RecognizeB5?
There are many places where a payment can be cashed - although individual businesses, such as Walmart, may have their own criteria for determining whether a payment can be cashed at their location.
If there is a JP Morgan Chase or Chase Bank in your area, Teachers can look to see whether they will allow persons to cash payments drawn off their bank (which RecognizeB5 payments are) whether or not they have an existing bank account there.
Here is a link to the branch finder for JP Morgan Chase: https://locator.chase.com/va
If Teachers have a personal bank where they have an account or do business, depositing or cashing there is also an option.
If a Teacher experiences a problem cashing or depositing a payment, please email RecognizeB5@vecf.org for direct assistance.
Please be aware that the VECF Office does not transact in-person business related to the issuance or delivery of RecognizeB5 program payments, tax related documents or other related program activities. For support, please use our email (RecognizeB5@vecf.org) or call 804-358-8323 EX 129.