Where to make the change

You can change your Social Security direct deposit through three routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you log in with your Social Security account and update your bank details yourself, usually in under five minutes. No appointment needed.

If you do not have an online account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A representative will walk you through the change over the phone. You will need your Social Security number, the routing number and account number of your new bank, and the account type (checking or savings).

You can also visit a Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and your new bank account information. Wait times vary by location; calling ahead to ask about current wait times is common practice.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your direct deposit online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • The change typically takes effect within one to two months, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • If you receive multiple benefits (Social Security and SSI, for example), changing direct deposit for one may change it for both.
  • Social Security will not charge you to make this change, and no legitimate government office will ask for payment.

What information you need before you start

Gather your new bank account details before you begin. You need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of a blank check. If you do not have checks, call your bank directly and ask for these numbers — they can provide them in seconds.

You also need to know whether the account is checking or savings. Social Security will ask this explicitly. If you are unsure, your bank statement or online banking portal will show the account type.

Have your Social Security number and a photo ID ready if you are calling or visiting an office. If you are using the online portal, you will log in with your username and password instead.

Timeline for the change to take effect

Social Security typically processes direct deposit changes within one to two months. Your payment may still go to your old account for one or two more deposits after you request the change. Do not close the old account immediately.

If your payment date is coming up soon, the change may not take effect in time for the next deposit. Social Security will tell you which payment cycle the new account will start receiving funds. Keep your old account open and active until at least one full payment has landed in the new account.

If you need the change to happen faster because of an urgent banking issue, call 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation. Representatives cannot always speed up the process, but they can note your case and sometimes escalate it.

Changing direct deposit for multiple benefits

If you receive both Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), changing the direct deposit for one may automatically change it for both. Social Security will tell you during the process whether your change affects multiple benefits.

If you receive benefits from more than one program — for example, Social Security and Veterans benefits — you will need to change each one separately. Social Security direct deposit is managed only by Social Security; Veterans Affairs has its own direct deposit system.

What to do if your payment goes to the wrong account

If a payment lands in your old account after you requested a change, contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213. Have your case number ready if you have one. Social Security can request that your bank return the payment and reissue it to the correct account, but this process takes time — usually two to four weeks.

Your bank may also be able to help. Some banks can reverse a deposit and redirect it if you contact them within a few business days. Call your old bank's customer service line and explain that the deposit was sent in error.

Do not assume the payment is lost. Social Security tracks these situations and will work with you to recover the funds, but you need to report it within a reasonable timeframe — ideally within the same month the payment was sent.

Updating your information if your bank details change again

If you switch banks a second time, or if your bank merges with another and your routing number changes, you will need to update Social Security again using the same three methods: online, phone, or in person. There is no limit to how many times you can change your direct deposit.

Some banks send notices when they merge or change routing numbers. If you receive such a notice, you do not need to act immediately — your current direct deposit will usually continue working. However, it is safer to update Social Security proactively with your new routing number to avoid missed or misdirected payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit to a different person's bank account?

No. Social Security requires that direct deposit go to an account in your name or a joint account where you are listed as an owner. You cannot have your benefits sent to someone else's account, even a family member's or caregiver's. If someone else needs access to your funds, consider adding them as an authorized user on your account or setting up a power of attorney.

What if I do not have a bank account?

Social Security requires direct deposit for most new beneficiaries as of 2021. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks, credit unions, or through a prepaid card provider. Some offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fees. Once you have an account, follow the steps above to set up direct deposit.

Will Social Security charge me to change my direct deposit?

No. Social Security never charges for this service. If anyone claiming to represent Social Security asks for payment to change your direct deposit, it is a scam. Hang up and report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.

How do I know if my change went through?

If you made the change online, you will see a confirmation message immediately. If you called or visited an office, ask the representative for a confirmation number. You can also log into your Social Security account online and check your direct deposit information under "Payment Information" — it should show your new account details within a few days.

What if I made a mistake entering my account number?

Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213. If the change has not yet processed, they can correct it before it takes effect. If it has already processed and your payment went to the wrong account, Social Security will work with your bank to recover it, but this takes longer. It is worth calling immediately rather than waiting.