You can change your Social Security direct deposit through My Social Security, by phone, or in person at a local office
Social Security lets you change which bank account receives your monthly payment at any time. The change takes effect within one or two months, depending on which method you use and when you submit the request. You do not need to contact your bank — Social Security handles the routing on their end.
The fastest route is My Social Security, the Social Security Administration's online portal. If you do not have an account or prefer not to use it, you can call Social Security directly or visit a field office in person. Each method works, but the timeline and what you need to have ready differs slightly.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security online is the fastest way to change your direct deposit and shows you the change immediately after you submit it.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- Changes made before the 10th of the month usually take effect the following month; changes after the 10th typically take effect two months later.
- If you do not have internet access or an online account, calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) works just as well, though it may take longer to process.
- Social Security will send you a notice in the mail confirming the change once it is complete.
Using My Social Security to change your account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and a few personal details to verify your identity. The site will ask you to set up two-factor authentication — this means you will receive a code by text or email each time you log in.
Once you are signed in, look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or a similar option in the account menu. You will enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your account number. Social Security will ask you to confirm both numbers before the change is submitted. After you submit, the system shows you a confirmation page with the new account details. Keep this for your records.
Changes submitted through My Social Security before the 10th of any month usually take effect on the first of the following month. If you submit after the 10th, the change typically takes effect on the first of the month after that. Social Security will mail you a notice within two weeks confirming the change.
Calling Social Security to update your direct deposit
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the week. Have your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your new account number ready before you call.
A representative will verify your identity by asking personal questions — such as your date of birth, mother's maiden name, or recent addresses. Once verified, they will ask for your new banking information and read it back to you to confirm. They will also tell you when the change will take effect based on the date you are calling.
You will receive a written confirmation in the mail within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call again to confirm the change went through.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your new bank account — a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank showing your routing and account numbers all work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online or by phone if you prefer to avoid a wait.
A representative will update your direct deposit information on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change. The change takes effect on the same timeline as phone or online requests — usually the first of the following month if submitted before the 10th, or the first of the month after that if submitted later.
What information you need from your bank
Social Security requires two pieces of information: your bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. The account number is unique to your account at that bank.
You can find both on a blank check from your account — the routing number is on the left side at the bottom, and the account number is in the middle. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. You can also log into your bank's website or app and find them in the account details section. Some banks print them on statements as well.
Make sure you have the right account number for the account where you want the payment to go. Social Security will not process the change if the numbers do not match your bank's records.
When the change takes effect and what to expect
Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a monthly schedule. If you submit your change before the 10th of the month, it usually takes effect on the first of the following month. If you submit on or after the 10th, it typically takes effect on the first of the month after that. This means a change submitted on January 15th would not appear until March 1st.
Your last payment to the old account will arrive on the regular payment date for that month. Your first payment to the new account will arrive on the first of the month when the change takes effect. You will not miss a payment during the switch.
Social Security will mail you a notice confirming the change within two weeks of processing it. The notice will show your new account information. Keep this letter for your records in case you need to verify the change later.
Troubleshooting a rejected or delayed change
If Social Security rejects your direct deposit change, it is usually because the routing or account number does not match your bank's records. Call your bank to confirm both numbers are correct, then resubmit through My Social Security, by phone, or in person. Do not guess at the numbers — a single digit wrong will cause the change to fail.
If you submitted a change but do not see it take effect by the expected date, wait until after the payment date for that month. Sometimes the change processes but the payment still goes to the old account if the timing overlaps. If a payment goes to the wrong account after the change should have taken effect, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. They can investigate and may be able to recover the payment or redirect it.
If you are switching banks and your old account closes before the change takes effect, contact Social Security immediately. Explain that your old account is closing and ask them to expedite the change or process it manually. This is one of the few situations where Social Security may move faster than the standard monthly schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes. You can change your direct deposit account as many times as you need to. Each change follows the same timeline — usually taking effect on the first of the following month if submitted before the 10th. There is no limit on how often you can make changes.
What if I want to split my payment between two accounts?
Social Security does not split direct deposits. You can only have one account receiving your full monthly payment. If you want money to go to multiple accounts, you would need to set up a transfer from your bank after the payment arrives.
Do I need to tell my bank I am receiving Social Security?
No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Social Security will send the payment to the routing and account number you provide, and your bank will deposit it automatically. You may want to let your bank know for your own records, but it is not required.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
If the account number does not match your bank's records, Social Security will reject the change and you will receive a notice in the mail explaining why. You will need to resubmit with the correct number. If a payment accidentally goes to the wrong account, contact Social Security right away so they can help recover it.
Can someone else change my direct deposit for me?
Only if you have given them power of attorney or they are your representative payee — someone Social Security has authorized to manage your account. Otherwise, you must make the change yourself through My Social Security, by phone, or in person. Social Security verifies your identity before processing any changes.