How to change your Social Security direct deposit
You can change which bank account receives your Social Security payment through three methods: online at your personal my Social Security account, by phone with Social Security, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — changes typically take effect within one or two business days. Phone and in-person changes may take longer, sometimes up to a week.
You will need your new bank account number and routing number ready before you start. If you do not have these, contact your bank or check a blank check — the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows it. Social Security will not process a change with incomplete or incorrect banking information.
Once you submit a change, Social Security will send you a confirmation letter in the mail. Keep this letter. If your payment does not arrive on the expected date after the change takes effect, you will need it to prove you made the request.
Key Takeaways
- Online changes through my Social Security take one to two business days, while phone and office visits may take up to a week.
- You must provide your new bank's routing number and your account number; Social Security will not accept the change without both.
- Social Security sends a confirmation letter after you request a change — save it in case your payment is delayed.
- If you do not have internet access or a my Social Security account, calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office are your other options.
- Changes made before the 10th of the month usually take effect with that month's payment; changes after the 10th typically take effect the following month.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create it on the same page using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will need to verify your identity — Social Security offers several methods, including answering security questions or using a video call.
Once logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu. Select the option to change your direct deposit. Enter your new bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). Review the information carefully before submitting — errors here will cause your payment to be sent to the wrong account or rejected entirely.
After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down. Social Security will also email you a confirmation. Your change will take effect within one to two business days if submitted before 10 a.m. Eastern Time on a business day.
Changing your account by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your new routing number and account number ready. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other personal details. They will then update your direct deposit information in the system.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. Write it down along with the date and time of your call. Phone changes typically take three to seven business days to process, though Social Security aims to complete them faster during less busy periods.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter at no cost — mention this when you call.
Changing your account in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your new bank account — a recent bank statement, a blank check, or a letter from your bank showing your account number and routing number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required.
Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. They will enter your new banking information into the system and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. In-person changes typically take five to seven business days to process.
To find your local office, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address and hours. Many offices now require you to make an appointment in advance rather than walk in, so call ahead or check online before you go.
What happens during the transition period
Your old direct deposit will stop once the change takes effect. Your new account will receive your next scheduled payment. If you submitted the change before the 10th of the month, it usually takes effect that same month. Changes submitted after the 10th typically do not take effect until the following month's payment.
Social Security's payment schedule depends on your birth date. If you were born on the 1st through the 10th, you are paid on the second Wednesday of each month. If born on the 11th through the 20th, you are paid on the third Wednesday. If born on the 21st or later, you are paid on the fourth Wednesday. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments go out on the first of each month.
If your payment does not arrive in your new account on the expected date, do not assume it was lost. Wait two additional business days. If it still has not arrived, contact Social Security with your confirmation number from the change request. They can trace where the payment went.
Fixing a mistake in your banking information
If you realize you entered the wrong account number or routing number after submitting your change, contact Social Security immediately. The sooner you report the error, the better the chance they can stop the payment before it goes to the wrong account. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
If your payment was already sent to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to return it. Social Security can also help you file a claim for a misdirected payment, though this process takes time. Prevention is much easier than recovery, so double-check your numbers before submitting any change.
If you change banks and your new bank rejects the direct deposit for any reason, Social Security will hold your payment and send you a check instead. You will receive a notice explaining why the deposit failed. At that point, you can update your direct deposit information again or continue receiving checks.
Changing to or from a representative payee
If someone else manages your Social Security benefits on your behalf (called a representative payee), that person controls the direct deposit account. You cannot change it yourself. The representative payee must contact Social Security to update the banking information, or Social Security must approve a change if you are requesting it.
If you want to change who your representative payee is, or if you believe your payee is misusing your benefits, contact Social Security directly. This is a separate process from changing direct deposit and involves more steps, but Social Security takes these concerns seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to show up?
Online changes through my Social Security typically take one to two business days. Phone and in-person changes usually take three to seven business days. The exact timing depends on when you submit the change relative to Social Security's payment schedule and your bank's processing speed.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213. If you catch the error before the payment is sent, they may be able to stop it. If the payment already went to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to return it. Social Security can help you file a claim for a misdirected payment.
Can I change my direct deposit to someone else's account?
No. Your direct deposit must go to an account in your name or, if you have a representative payee, to an account that payee controls. Social Security verifies the account holder's name before processing the change. If you need someone to help manage your money, you must go through the formal representative payee process.
What if my bank closes or merges with another bank?
If your bank closes, contact your bank first to find out where your accounts are being transferred. Once you know your new routing number and account number, update your direct deposit with Social Security using any of the three methods. If your bank merges, your account information usually stays the same, but check with your bank to be sure.
Do I need to change my direct deposit if I move to a different state?
No. Your direct deposit is tied to your bank account, not your address. You do not need to notify Social Security about a move for direct deposit purposes. However, if you move, you should update your address with Social Security so they can reach you if needed — you can do this through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213.