You can change where Social Security deposits your payment by contacting the Social Security Administration directly
Social Security lets you change your direct deposit account at any time. You do not have to wait for a specific date or give advance notice — the change takes effect within one or two business days once the Social Security Administration processes your request. You can make the change online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a local Social Security office.
The process is straightforward because Social Security only needs your new bank account number and routing number. You do not need to contact your bank or your old bank. Social Security will stop depositing to the old account and start depositing to the new one as soon as the change is recorded in their system.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit account online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.
- The change takes effect within one or two business days, so your next payment will go to your new account unless you request the change very close to your payment date.
- You need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- If you change your account and your payment does not arrive on the expected date, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through.
- Social Security will not send a confirmation letter automatically, so write down the date and time you made the change and keep that record.
Changing your direct deposit online through my Social Security
The fastest way to change your direct deposit is through the my Social Security website at ssa.gov. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one, or log in if you do. The website uses two-factor authentication, so you will need access to an email address or phone number you can verify.
Once you are logged in, look for the "Manage Your Representative Payee" or "Change Direct Deposit Information" option in the account menu. Enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number exactly as they appear on your check or bank statement. Double-check both numbers before you submit, because a single digit wrong will send your payment to the wrong account.
After you submit the change, the website will show you a confirmation screen. Take a screenshot or write down the confirmation number and the date and time. This record is useful if your payment does not arrive on schedule or if you need to prove you made the change.
Changing your direct deposit by phone
You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to change your direct deposit. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your new routing number and account number ready before you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to change your direct deposit account. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and possibly your date of birth or other personal information. Once they confirm who you are, they will ask for your new bank information and repeat it back to you to make sure it is correct.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number and write it down along with the date and time of your call. Some representatives will offer to mail you a written confirmation, but you can also request one if they do not mention it.
Changing your direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any local Social Security office and request a direct deposit change. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You will need to provide your new bank's routing number and account number, so bring a blank check from your new account or call your bank ahead of time to get both numbers.
The office staff will fill out the change form with you and give you a copy. Keep this copy for your records. The change will be processed within one or two business days, the same as if you had made it online or by phone.
Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely depending on your location and the time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose when to visit.
Changing your direct deposit by mail
You can mail a written request to your local Social Security office. Write a letter that includes your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and your new bank account number and routing number. Sign and date the letter, then mail it to the address of your local office.
You can find your local office address on the Social Security website at ssa.gov/locator. Processing a mailed request takes longer than other methods — usually one to two weeks — because the mail has to travel both ways and then be entered into the system.
Keep a copy of your letter for your records. If you are concerned about the mail getting lost, consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof that Social Security received it.
What to do if your payment does not arrive on the expected date
Social Security payments arrive on a set schedule based on your birth date. If you change your direct deposit close to your payment date, your payment might still go to your old account because the change was not processed in time. In that case, contact your old bank to see if the deposit arrived there, and then contact Social Security to confirm the change was recorded.
If the change was processed but your payment still did not arrive in your new account after two business days, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the problem. Have your confirmation number ready if you have one. Social Security can check whether the deposit was sent and, if it was, trace where it went.
Do not assume the payment is lost. Sometimes deposits take longer than expected to show up in a new account, especially if you changed to a different bank or a credit union. Give it three to five business days before you assume something went wrong.
Finding your bank's routing number and account number
Your bank's routing number and your account number are printed on the bottom left of any check from your account. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you do not have checks, you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers.
Make sure you have the correct account number for the account where you want the deposits to go. If you recently opened a new account, use that account's number, not your old one. If you are switching banks entirely, use the routing number and account number from your new bank.
Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or for different types of transactions. If you are unsure which routing number to use, call your bank and tell them you need the routing number for direct deposit. They will give you the correct one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to take effect?
Social Security usually processes the change within one or two business days. If you make the change close to your payment date, your next payment might still go to your old account. After that, all future payments will go to your new account.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes, you can change your direct deposit account as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can make changes. Each change takes effect within one or two business days.
What happens to my old account after I change my direct deposit?
Nothing happens to your old account automatically. Social Security simply stops sending deposits to it. If you want to close the old account, you will need to contact that bank directly. Make sure you have received all your Social Security payments in your new account before you close the old one.
Do I need to tell my bank that I am changing my direct deposit?
No, you do not need to contact your bank. Social Security handles the entire change on their end. Your new bank will accept the deposit once it arrives, and your old bank will stop receiving deposits once Social Security stops sending them.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
If you realize you made a mistake before your next payment arrives, contact Social Security right away and request another change. If your payment already went to the wrong account, contact that bank to see if they can return it, then contact Social Security to correct your information and request a replacement payment.