Direct deposit sends your Social Security payment straight to your bank account on the same day each month, with no check to deposit or mail delay
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays most beneficiaries by direct deposit into a checking or savings account. The payment arrives on a set schedule — usually the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. You can set up direct deposit before you start receiving benefits, or switch to it from a paper check at any time.
You will need your bank account number, routing number, and the type of account (checking or savings). The SSA does not charge a fee to set up direct deposit, and your bank cannot charge you either — federal law prohibits banks from charging for receiving government payments this way.
Key Takeaways
- Direct deposit payments arrive on a predictable schedule based on your birth date, with no risk of a check being lost or delayed in the mail.
- You can set up direct deposit through your online my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
- Your bank must accept direct deposit at no charge when the payment comes from a federal agency like the SSA.
- If you switch banks or close an account, you must update your direct deposit information with the SSA to avoid payment delays.
- The SSA will not send you a paper check unless you specifically request one, so direct deposit is the default payment method for new beneficiaries.
Setting up direct deposit online through my Social Security
The fastest way to set up direct deposit is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one, which requires your Social Security number, email address, and a password. The SSA will send you a verification code to confirm your identity.
Once you are logged in, go to "Manage Benefits" and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." Enter your bank account number, routing number, and account type. The SSA will show you a preview of the information before you submit it. Changes usually take effect within one to three business days.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online portal, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with a representative. Have your bank information ready when you call. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
What information you need from your bank
Before you set up direct deposit, contact your bank or log into your online banking to find your account number and routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can usually find both numbers at the bottom left of a paper check, or your bank can provide them by phone or through their website.
You will also need to tell the SSA whether the account is a checking account or a savings account. Some banks offer accounts that are neither — for example, money market accounts or money market savings accounts. If you are unsure what type of account you have, ask your bank before you submit your information to the SSA.
Do not give your bank account password or PIN to the SSA. The SSA will never ask for this information. You only need to provide the account number, routing number, and account type.
Payment schedules based on birth date
The SSA staggered payment dates to spread the workload of processing millions of payments. Your payment date depends on when you were born, not when you started receiving benefits. The schedule is:
| If you were born on: | Your payment arrives on: |
|---|---|
| The 1st through the 10th of any month | The second Wednesday of each month |
| The 11th through the 20th of any month | The third Wednesday of each month |
| The 21st through the 31st of any month | The fourth Wednesday of each month |
If a Wednesday falls on a federal holiday, the SSA sends the payment the day before. You can check your exact payment date by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What happens if you change banks or close your account
If you close the account where your Social Security payments go, you must update your direct deposit information with the SSA before your next payment date. If the SSA tries to deposit money into a closed account, the bank will reject the payment and send it back. The SSA will then mail you a paper check, which can take one to two weeks to arrive.
To avoid this delay, update your direct deposit information as soon as you know you are switching banks. You can do this through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office. If a payment is returned because your account was closed, contact the SSA to confirm they have your new account information and to ask when the payment will be resent.
If you move to a different bank but keep the same account type and account number, you do not need to update anything — the routing number change happens automatically on the bank's side. However, if your account number changes, you must tell the SSA right away.
Setting up direct deposit at a Social Security office
You can also set up or change direct deposit in person at your local Social Security office. Bring a document that shows your bank account number and routing number, such as a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank. You will need to show a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number.
To find your nearest office, visit ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now require you to make an appointment in advance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone.
Processing times at an office are the same as online or by phone — one to three business days. There is no advantage to going in person unless you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Switching from a paper check to direct deposit
If you currently receive a paper check and want to switch to direct deposit, you can make the change at any time. The SSA will stop mailing checks once your direct deposit is set up and active. Your first direct deposit payment will arrive on your scheduled payment date for that month.
If you have already received a paper check for the current month, that check will still arrive in the mail — the SSA cannot recall it. Starting the following month, your payment will go directly to your bank account instead.
If you receive a paper check and do nothing, the SSA will eventually require you to switch to direct deposit or a debit card. As of now, the SSA is phasing out paper checks for new beneficiaries, but existing beneficiaries can continue to receive checks if they choose. However, this policy may change, so it is worth setting up direct deposit sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my Social Security payment sent to someone else's bank account?
No. Direct deposit must go into an account that is in your name or in your name and another person's name jointly. The SSA will not send payments to an account in someone else's name only. If you need help managing your money, you can work with a representative payee, but the payment still goes into an account registered to you.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can open a checking or savings account at most banks and credit unions with minimal requirements. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. If you cannot open a traditional bank account, the SSA offers a debit card called the Direct Express card, which works like a prepaid debit card and receives your payment each month. You can learn more about Direct Express at the program's website or by calling 1-888-233-3748.
How long does it take for direct deposit to start after I set it up?
Direct deposit usually takes effect within one to three business days after you submit your information. Your first payment will arrive on your scheduled payment date for that month. If you set up direct deposit late in the month, your payment may not arrive until the following month's payment date.
What if my direct deposit payment does not arrive on the expected date?
Check your bank account to see if the payment has posted. Sometimes payments take an extra day to show up, especially if you set up direct deposit very recently. If the payment does not arrive within two business days of your scheduled payment date, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your account information is correct and to ask them to investigate the delay.
Can I have my Social Security payment split between two bank accounts?
No. The SSA will only send your entire payment to one account. If you want to split your money between accounts after you receive it, you can do that through your bank's online banking or by transferring money yourself each month.