You can change your direct deposit account through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at a local office
The Social Security Administration lets you change where your monthly check goes without stopping your payments. You have three ways to do it: online through your my Social Security account, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting an office in person. The online method is fastest — you can update your bank details in minutes and see the change take effect within one or two payment cycles. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, a phone call takes about 15 minutes.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. If you are switching banks, get these details from your new bank before you start — they appear on a blank check or in your online banking portal. Social Security does not charge a fee to make this change, and you will not lose any payments during the switch.
Key Takeaways
- Create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to change your direct deposit online in a few minutes.
- You need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you do not have internet access or prefer phone support.
- Changes typically show up in your next payment or the one after, so plan ahead if you are closing an old account.
- If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to Social Security, the same process covers both payments.
Changing direct deposit through your my Social Security account
Log in to my Social Security at ssa.gov using your username, password, and a one-time code sent to your email or phone. Once you are in, look for "Manage Your Benefits" and then select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You will see your current bank details on the screen.
Enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake here means your payment goes to the wrong place. Social Security will show you the first and last four digits of your account number to confirm. After you submit, you will get a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number in case you need to follow up.
The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles. If your payment date is coming up soon, the change might not go through until the following month. Social Security will not send your check to your old account by mistake — if the new account information has not processed yet, they hold the payment until it does.
Changing direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. 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 for personal information like your date of birth and mother's maiden name. They will then ask for your new bank details and read them back to you to confirm. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down or ask the representative to email it to you.
If you have trouble reaching Social Security by phone, you can also use their online message service through my Social Security. Log in, go to "Contact Social Security," and send a message asking to change your direct deposit. A representative will respond within a few business days.
Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your new bank account. Bring a blank check from your new bank or a bank statement showing your routing and account numbers. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Walk-in visits work, but you may wait an hour or more depending on how busy the office is. You can also make an appointment online or by phone to reduce your wait time. A representative will update your direct deposit information on the spot and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.
What happens if you close your old bank account
If you close your old account before Social Security processes the change, your payment will be returned to Social Security and held. This does not happen immediately — it can take a week or two for the bank to send the payment back. Once Social Security receives it, they will reissue the check to your new account, but this delay means you might not see the money for several weeks.
To avoid this, change your direct deposit at least two weeks before you close your old account. If you have already closed the account and your payment bounced, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. They can reissue the payment to your new account once you confirm your new bank details.
Changing direct deposit if you receive SSI as well
If you receive both Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one direct deposit change covers both payments. When you update your bank information through my Social Security, by phone, or in person, both your Social Security check and your SSI payment will go to the new account.
If you receive SSI only (not Social Security), the same process applies — use my Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit an office to change where your SSI payment is deposited.
Troubleshooting direct deposit problems
If your payment does not arrive in your new account by the expected date, log into my Social Security and check that your bank details were saved correctly. Look for typos in the routing or account number. If the information looks right, wait one more business day — payments sometimes take longer to process depending on your bank.
If the payment still has not arrived after two business days, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your confirmation number from when you made the change, your new account number, and your bank's name ready. A representative can check whether the payment was sent and, if it was rejected by your bank, reissue it. Some banks flag incoming direct deposits as suspicious if the account is new — contact your bank to ask if they received and rejected the payment.
If you accidentally entered the wrong account number and your payment went to someone else's account, call Social Security immediately. They can contact the bank and attempt to recover the payment. This process can take several weeks, so report the error as soon as you notice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?
Most changes take effect within one or two payment cycles. If you make the change close to your payment date, it may not process until the following month. Social Security will not send your payment to your old account if the new information has not been processed yet.
Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a bank account yet?
You need an active bank account to set up direct deposit. If you do not have one, open an account at a bank or credit union first, then update your direct deposit information. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fees, which work well for receiving Social Security payments.
What if my bank account is in someone else's name?
Social Security requires that the account be in your name or jointly in your name and someone else's name. If the account belongs only to another person, you cannot use it for direct deposit. You will need to open an account in your own name or as a joint account holder.
Do I need to notify my bank that I am receiving Social Security payments?
You do not have to, but some people do to avoid having the deposit flagged as suspicious. If your bank rejects the payment because it looks unusual, contact your bank's customer service and let them know you are expecting regular Social Security deposits. They can whitelist the payment so it goes through without delay.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes, you can change it as many times as you need. Each change takes one or two payment cycles to process. If you switch banks frequently, allow time between changes so each one processes before you make the next one.