You can change your direct deposit account at any time through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person
Social Security lets you move your monthly payment to a different bank account, credit union account, or prepaid card whenever you need to. You do not have to wait for a specific date or give advance notice. The change usually takes effect within one or two business days, though it can take up to a week depending on your bank.
You have three ways to make the change: online through your my Social Security account, by calling Social Security's toll-free number, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The online method is fastest if you already have an account set up. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Changes made online or by phone usually take effect within one to two business days, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.
- You will need your routing number and account number from your new bank or credit union, which you can find on a check or by calling the bank.
- If you are changing to a prepaid card, make sure it accepts direct deposits before you submit the change to Social Security.
- Social Security will not charge you a fee to change your direct deposit, and no legitimate Social Security office will ask for payment to process the change.
Changing direct deposit online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page. You will need an email address, a phone number, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.
Once you are signed in, look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or a similar option in the account settings or payment section. Enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit, because an error will send your payment to the wrong account.
After you submit the change, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security will also send you a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days. Keep that letter for your records. Your new direct deposit should start with your next scheduled payment.
Changing direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your new account number ready before you call. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by asking questions about your personal history. They will then ask for your new banking information and read it back to you to make sure it is correct. Ask them to repeat any numbers you are unsure about.
The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. Your change should take effect within one to two business days. If your payment does not arrive on schedule, call back with your confirmation number so they can check the status.
Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your new bank account. A bank statement, a cancelled check, or a letter from your bank showing your routing and account numbers all work as proof.
Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. They will fill out the form with you and give you a copy. The change usually takes effect within one to two business days, though it can take longer if the office is busy.
Going in person takes longer than calling or using the website, but it can be helpful if you are not comfortable with phones or computers, or if you need to show documents to prove your identity.
What information you need from your new bank
Before you make any change, contact your new bank or credit union and ask for your routing number and account number. These are not the same as your debit card number.
You can find both numbers on a check from your account — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and they will give you both numbers over the phone. Some banks also show this information in their mobile app or online banking portal.
If you are switching to a prepaid card, call the card company first and confirm that they accept direct deposits from Social Security. Not all prepaid cards do. Once you confirm, ask for the routing number and account number associated with your card.
What happens during the transition period
If you are switching banks, your old account will stop receiving Social Security payments once the change takes effect. Make sure you have enough money in your old account to cover any automatic bills or checks you have written, because those will still come out of that account for a few days after the switch.
Your first payment to the new account should arrive on your regular payment date. Social Security pays on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month depending on your birth date — you can find your specific payment date on your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If your payment does not arrive within a week of your scheduled payment date, contact Social Security right away. Have your confirmation number ready if you made the change by phone or in person.
Changing to a different type of account
You can move your direct deposit from a checking account to a savings account, from one bank to another, or from a bank to a credit union. Social Security does not restrict where your money goes as long as the account is in your name and accepts direct deposits.
If you want to change to a prepaid card, make sure the card is in your name and that the company accepts Social Security direct deposits. Some prepaid cards charge monthly fees or have limits on how much money you can hold, so read the terms before you switch.
If you no longer want direct deposit and want to receive a paper check instead, you can change that through my Social Security, by phone, or in person using the same methods described above. Paper checks arrive by mail and take longer than direct deposit, so most people keep direct deposit if they can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my payment to reach the new account?
Most changes take effect within one to two business days. In some cases it can take up to a week, depending on how quickly your bank processes the incoming transfer. Your payment should arrive by your regular payment date. If it does not, contact Social Security within a week.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
If you realize the mistake before your next payment, change it again right away using the same method you used the first time. If your payment already went to the wrong account, contact Social Security and your bank. Social Security may be able to recover the payment, but your bank will have the final say on whether they can reverse it.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes. You can change it as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can make changes, and Social Security does not charge a fee. However, each change takes one to two business days to take effect, so avoid making multiple changes in quick succession.
Do I need to tell Social Security if I close my old bank account?
You should change your direct deposit before you close the account. If you close it before changing your direct deposit, your next payment will be rejected and Social Security will mail you a paper check instead. Once you have a new account open, change your direct deposit as soon as possible.
What if I do not have a bank account?
Social Security requires direct deposit for most new beneficiaries, but you can request an exception if you do not have access to a bank account. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about alternatives. Some people use prepaid cards or credit unions instead of traditional banks.