You can change your direct deposit account through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at a local office

To change where Social Security deposits your SSDI payment, you need to update your banking information in your my Social Security account online, call Social Security's toll-free number, or visit an office in person. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles — typically one to two weeks, though Social Security says to allow up to two months in rare cases. You will need your new bank account number and routing number ready before you start.

Social Security does not charge a fee to change your direct deposit, and you can make the change at any time. If you are switching banks or moving to a different account at the same bank, the process is the same. If your current direct deposit is failing — the bank is rejecting deposits or your account was closed — changing it will stop the failed payments from continuing to pile up.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your direct deposit online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security office in person.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your new account number; these are on a blank check or available from your bank by phone.
  • The change takes one to two weeks in most cases, so plan ahead if you are closing an old account.
  • If your direct deposit is failing, update it as soon as you notice to prevent your payment from being returned and held up.

Change your direct deposit online through my Social Security

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your email address and a password. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity — you can do this with a Social Security number, date of birth, and either a driver's license number or state ID number.

Once you are logged in, select "Change Direct Deposit Information" or "Manage Direct Deposit" from the menu. Enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake in either one will send your payment to the wrong account. Click submit, and Social Security will show you a confirmation screen with the new account details. Write down the confirmation number or take a screenshot.

The online method is the fastest and leaves you with a record of exactly when you made the change. You can do it any time, day or night, and you do not have to talk to anyone.

Change your direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your new routing number and account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and other personal information. Tell them you want to change your direct deposit account.

The representative will read back the new account information to you before submitting the change. Make sure they have the routing number and account number correct. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Change your direct deposit in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Bring a blank check from your new bank account, or write down the routing number and account number before you go. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. They will fill out the form with your new banking information and give you a copy. This method takes longer than online or phone, and you have to travel to the office, but some people prefer it because they can hand over a document and watch it get processed.

Find your bank's routing number and your account number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the number of your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of a blank check from your account — the routing number comes first, then your account number.

If you do not have a blank check, call your bank's customer service number and ask for your routing number and account number. You can also log into your bank's website or app and find this information in the account details section. Some banks print it on statements as well. Make sure you have the right account number — if you are opening a new account, use the new account number, not your old one.

What happens after you submit the change

Social Security will process your change within one to two business days. Your next SSDI payment will go to the new account. If your payment date is coming up soon, the change might not take effect in time for that deposit — it may still go to your old account. Plan ahead if you are closing an old account.

If you submitted the change online or by phone and do not see your payment in the new account by the expected date, wait a few more days. If it still has not arrived after two weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the change went through. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.

What to do if your direct deposit is failing

If your bank is rejecting your SSDI deposits — for example, because your account was closed or flagged for fraud — Social Security will try to deposit the payment again for a few months. After that, the money is held by Social Security and you have to contact them to get it. Change your direct deposit to a working account as soon as you notice the problem.

If you do not have a bank account, you can set up direct deposit to a prepaid card account or a savings account at a credit union. Some prepaid cards are designed for government benefits and have no monthly fee. Ask your bank or credit union whether they accept direct deposit from Social Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the change to show up?

Social Security processes the change within one to two business days, and your next payment goes to the new account. If your payment date is within a few days, the change may not take effect in time and your payment might still go to the old account. Allow one to two weeks to be safe.

Can I change my direct deposit if I am not the representative payee?

If someone else is your representative payee — meaning they manage your benefits on your behalf — they can change the direct deposit account. You can also change it yourself if you have access to your my Social Security account. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 if you are unsure who can make the change.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

If you realize the mistake before your next payment, log back into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 right away and correct it. If the payment already went to the wrong account, contact that bank and ask them to return it. Then contact Social Security to confirm the correct account information is on file.

Do I need to tell Social Security if I am switching banks?

Yes, you need to update your direct deposit information with your new bank's routing number and account number. Social Security does not automatically know when you switch banks. If you do not update it, your payments will continue going to your old account and may be rejected.

Can I have my SSDI payment sent to two accounts?

No, Social Security only allows one direct deposit account per person. If you want to split your payment between accounts, you would have to deposit it in one account and then transfer money to the other yourself.