You can change your direct deposit account online, by phone, or by mail — the fastest route is usually the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account

Social Security lets you change which bank account receives your monthly payment at any time. You do not need permission from anyone else, and the change usually takes effect within one or two pay periods. The method you choose depends on whether you have internet access and how quickly you need the change to happen.

If you have a my Social Security account, you can update your bank details yourself on the Social Security website without calling or visiting an office. If you do not have an account or prefer to speak to someone, you can call Social Security's main line or visit a local office in person. Mail is the slowest option but works if you cannot access the phone or internet.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security website (ssa.gov) lets you change your direct deposit account yourself if you have a my Social Security account, and the change usually takes one to two pay periods.
  • You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a change over the phone, and you will need your Social Security number and new bank details ready.
  • Visiting a local Social Security office in person is an option if you do not have internet or phone access, and you will need to bring identification and your new bank account information.
  • Mailing a completed form to Social Security takes longer but works if other methods are not available to you.
  • Social Security does not charge a fee to change your direct deposit, and the change does not affect your monthly payment amount.

Changing your direct deposit online through my Social Security

If you already have a my Social Security account, logging in and updating your bank details is the fastest way to change your direct deposit. Go to ssa.gov, click "Sign in to my Social Security," and enter your username, password, and any additional security information. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit."

Click on the option to change your direct deposit and enter your new bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). Social Security will ask you to confirm the information before you submit it. After you submit, you should see a confirmation message on the screen. The change typically takes effect within one or two pay periods, though it can sometimes take longer if you submit it near the end of a pay cycle.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one on the same website. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or U.S. mailing address on file with Social Security. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes.

Changing your 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). Have your Social Security number ready, along with your new bank account number, routing number, and the type of account (checking or savings). The representative will verify your identity by asking you questions about your Social Security record.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you call during a busy time, you may be on hold for 15 to 30 minutes or longer. After the representative processes your change, ask them to confirm the new account information back to you before you hang up.

Changing your direct deposit in person at a Social Security office

You can visit your local Social Security office to request a direct deposit change. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and write down your new bank account number, routing number, and account type before you go. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times.

Find your nearest office by going to ssa.gov and using the office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring the same information you would provide over the phone. The staff member will enter your new details into the system and give you a receipt showing what was changed.

Changing your direct deposit by mail

If you cannot use the website, phone, or visit an office, you can mail a request to Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to send you the form, or download it from ssa.gov if you have internet access. The form you need is called the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (Form SSA-1199-OP4).

Fill out the form with your Social Security number, new bank account number, routing number, and account type. Sign and date it, then mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing by mail takes longer — usually three to four weeks — so use this method only if other options are not available to you. Keep a copy for your records.

What information you need to have ready

No matter which method you choose, you will need the same pieces of information about your new bank account. Write these down before you start:

  • Your new bank account number (the full number, not a shortened version)
  • Your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on a check or by calling your bank)
  • The account type: checking or savings
  • Your Social Security number

If you are changing to a different bank, call that bank first to confirm your account is set up and active. Some banks take a day or two to fully activate a new account, so make sure the account exists before you tell Social Security about it.

What happens after you request the change

Once you submit your change request, Social Security will process it and send your next payment to the new account. The timing depends on when you submit the request and when your regular payment date is. If you submit the change early in the month, it usually takes effect for the next scheduled payment. If you submit it close to your payment date, it may not take effect until the payment after that.

Your old bank account will stop receiving Social Security payments once the change goes through. If you are worried about a payment being lost, contact Social Security to ask when the change will take effect, and watch both accounts for a few weeks to make sure the payment arrives in the new account.

Social Security does not charge a fee to change your direct deposit. If someone tells you that you have to pay to make this change, that is a scam — do not give them money or personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?

Most changes take one to two pay periods, which means one to two months depending on when you submit the request. If you submit the change close to your regular payment date, it may not take effect until the payment after next. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 if you need to know the exact date your new account will start receiving payments.

Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a bank account?

Social Security requires a bank account, credit union account, or prepaid card account to receive direct deposit. If you do not have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks with just an ID and a small deposit. Some banks and credit unions offer accounts with no monthly fee. You can also ask Social Security about other payment options if direct deposit is not possible for you.

What if I enter the wrong bank account number?

Call Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. They can stop the payment from going to the wrong account and redirect it to the correct one. The sooner you catch the mistake, the easier it is to fix. Do not wait until your payment date to report it.

Can someone else change my direct deposit for me?

Only you can change your direct deposit unless you have given someone power of attorney over your Social Security benefits. If you are unable to make the change yourself, you can authorize a family member or representative to do it by having Social Security send them a power of attorney form. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about this option.

Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is sending payments to my account?

No, you do not need to notify your bank. Social Security will send the payment directly to the account number and routing number you provide. Your bank will receive the deposit automatically. However, it is a good idea to let your bank know you are expecting Social Security deposits so they do not flag the payment as suspicious.