You can change your direct deposit information online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office
Social Security lets you change your direct deposit account at any time. You do not have to wait for a specific date or give advance notice. The change usually takes effect within one or two business days, though it can take up to a week depending on your bank.
You have three ways to make the change: through your my Social Security account online (the fastest method), by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local office in person. Each route requires you to verify who you are, but none of them cost anything.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit account online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office.
- The change usually takes effect within one or two business days, though some banks may take longer to process the deposit into your new account.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to set up direct deposit, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- If you change your mind after making the change, you can switch back to your old account or choose a different one at any time.
Changing your direct deposit through my Social Security online
The online method is usually the fastest. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file).
Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit." Click on it and select the option to change your bank account. You will be asked to enter your bank's routing number and your account number. If you do not know these, check a blank check from your account — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and your account number is the second set. You can also call your bank and ask for both numbers.
After you enter the information, Social Security will ask you to confirm the change. Review the details carefully before you submit, because once you confirm, the change is sent to your bank. You should see the new account reflected in your next payment, which typically arrives within one or two business days.
Changing your direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your bank's routing number and account number ready before you call.
A representative will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your Social Security record. Once they confirm who you are, tell them you want to change your direct deposit account. Give them your new bank's routing number and account number, and they will enter the information into the system. Ask them to read back the numbers to you so you can confirm they are correct.
The representative will tell you when the change should take effect. Write down the date they give you and the name of the person who helped you, in case you need to follow up.
Changing your direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and ask to change your direct deposit. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Have your bank's routing number and account number written down or ready to provide.
A staff member will verify your identity and ask why you are there. Tell them you want to change your direct deposit account. They will fill out the form with your new bank information and give you a receipt showing the change was submitted. Ask them when you should expect to see the change in your account.
To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address and hours of the office closest to you.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you contact Social Security, no matter which method you choose:
- Your bank's routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies your bank
- Your account number — the number of the specific account where you want deposits to go
- Whether the account is a checking account or savings account
- Your photo ID (required in person, helpful to have on hand for phone calls)
If you do not know your routing number or account number, call your bank's customer service line. They can tell you both numbers in a few minutes. You can also find the routing number on your bank's website or by looking at a blank check — it is the first series of numbers at the bottom left of the check.
What happens after you make the change
Social Security sends the change to your bank within one business day. Your bank then processes the new account information, which usually takes another day. Your next SSDI payment should go into the new account on the regular payment date.
If your payment does not arrive in the new account by the date Social Security told you, contact your bank first. Ask them to confirm they received the direct deposit instruction and whether there are any problems with the account number. If your bank says everything is correct on their end, call Social Security back at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to check the status of your change.
Keep your old account open for at least one full payment cycle after you make the change, in case there is a delay. Once you see your payment arrive in the new account, you can close the old account if you want to.
Changing to a different account type or bank
You can change to a different bank, a different account at the same bank, or a different account type (checking to savings, for example) at any time. The process is the same each time — you just enter the new routing number and account number.
If you are switching banks because your current bank is closing your account or you are having problems with them, make the change as soon as possible. Do not wait until your next payment date. Social Security can process the change within a day or two, so you have time to avoid a missed or delayed payment.
If you want to go back to a previous account, you can do that too. Social Security keeps a record of accounts you have used before, so you can ask to switch back to an old account number if you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?
Usually one or two business days. Social Security sends the change to your bank within one day, and your bank processes it within another day. Your next payment should arrive in the new account on the regular payment date. Some banks take longer, so contact your bank if you do not see the deposit within three business days.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 or log back into my Social Security and correct it. If your payment has already been sent to the wrong account, call your bank and ask them to help you recover it. You can also contact Social Security and ask them to reissue the payment to the correct account.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes, you can change it as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can update your account information. Each change takes effect within one or two business days.
Do I need to tell Social Security if I close my old bank account?
No, but make sure your new direct deposit is set up and working before you close the old account. If Social Security tries to send a payment to a closed account, the bank will return it, and you may face a delay in receiving your money.
What if I do not have a bank account?
Social Security also offers direct deposit to a prepaid debit card or a savings account at a credit union. You can set these up the same way you would set up a bank account — you just need the routing number and account number for the card or credit union account.