How to change where Social Security sends your payment
You can change your direct deposit account by contacting Social Security directly — either online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office. Social Security does not process changes through your bank. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay periods, though it can take up to a month in some cases. If you need the payment to stop going to an old account immediately, you should contact that bank separately to prevent overdraft fees or fraud.
The fastest route is your my Social Security account if you already have one set up. You can update your bank routing number and account number there without waiting on hold. If you do not have an online account, you can create one at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you.
Key Takeaways
- You change your direct deposit through Social Security, not through your bank, using your my Social Security account, a phone call to 1-800-772-1213, or a visit to your local office.
- Social Security needs your new bank's routing number and your account number, both of which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- The change takes one to four weeks to show up in your account, so do not close the old account until you see the payment arrive in the new one.
- If you are switching banks because of fraud or a compromised account, tell Social Security that when you make the change so they can flag your record.
- Social Security will send you a notice in the mail confirming the change, which you should keep for your records.
What information Social Security needs from you
When you request a change, Social Security will ask for your new bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you write. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers — they can provide them over the phone in under a minute.
You will also need to confirm your current Social Security number and date of birth so Social Security can pull up your record. If you are changing the account because of fraud or a security breach, mention that when you contact them — Social Security may place a note on your file to watch for suspicious activity.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Click "Manage Your Benefits" and then select "Change Direct Deposit Information." Enter your new routing number and account number, then review the information for accuracy before submitting. Social Security will send you a confirmation notice by mail within two weeks.
This method works only if you already have a my Social Security account and can log in. If you have not set one up, you can create an account on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. The account creation process takes about 10 minutes.
Changing your account by phone or in person
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. The wait time varies by time of day and season; calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter holds. A representative will update your information and tell you when the change will take effect.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. An employee will update your direct deposit information on the spot and give you a receipt. This method is useful if you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you have had trouble reaching the phone line.
How long the change takes and what to expect
Social Security typically processes the change within one to two pay periods. Your next payment may still go to your old account if the change is submitted close to your payment date — Social Security's payment schedule is set by your birth date, not by when you request the change. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming the change, usually within two weeks of your request.
Do not close your old bank account until you see at least one payment arrive in the new account. If the change does not go through for some reason, you need the old account to remain open so you can receive your payment. Once you have confirmed that two or three payments have arrived in the new account, you can safely close the old one.
What to do if the change does not go through
If your payment does not arrive in the new account after four weeks, contact Social Security again to confirm the change was processed. Ask the representative to check the routing number and account number in their system — a single digit entered incorrectly will cause the payment to be rejected by your bank. If the information is wrong, Social Security can correct it immediately and resubmit the payment.
If the information is correct but the payment still has not arrived, contact your new bank's customer service line. Ask them to check whether Social Security's payment was rejected and, if so, why. Common reasons include a closed account, a mismatch between the account type and the routing number, or a fraud filter that blocked the incoming transfer. Your bank can tell you what happened and whether the payment can be resent.
Changing your account after a death in the family
If you are the representative payee for someone who received Social Security and that person has died, you must notify Social Security within 30 days. Social Security will stop the payments and may ask you to return any payment received after the death date. You do not change the direct deposit account — instead, you report the death and Social Security closes the account.
If you are a family member managing the deceased person's affairs, contact Social Security with the death certificate. Social Security will guide you through the process of closing the account and handling any overpayment. This is separate from changing direct deposit and requires different paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a bank account yet?
No, Social Security requires a valid bank account to set up direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with a photo ID and initial deposit. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open and you have the routing and account numbers, you can update Social Security.
What if I want to split my payment between two accounts?
Social Security does not split payments between multiple accounts. You can direct your entire payment to one account only. If you want to move money to a second account after receiving it, you will need to do that yourself through your bank's transfer tools or by visiting a branch.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is sending me a payment?
No, you do not need to notify your bank. Social Security's payments are regular ACH transfers, and your bank processes them automatically. If your bank has fraud filters that block incoming transfers, contact them to whitelist Social Security's sending bank so the payment goes through without delay.
Can I change my direct deposit on the same day I request it?
No, Social Security processes changes during business hours and the change takes one to four weeks to appear in your account. If you need immediate access to your payment, keep your old account open until the new one receives the deposit. Social Security cannot expedite the change.
What happens if I give Social Security the wrong account number?
Your payment will be rejected by the bank and returned to Social Security. Social Security will hold the payment and send you a notice asking you to provide the correct account information. Contact Social Security as soon as you realize the mistake so they can resubmit the payment to the correct account.