How to change your direct deposit

You can change your SSDI direct deposit through your my Social Security account online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you log in, update your bank details, and the change takes effect within one or two business days. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative, or visit a local office with a form of ID and your new bank information.

The change applies only to future payments. Any payment already scheduled will go to your old account. If you are switching banks because your old account is closing, contact your old bank first to ask whether they will forward the deposit to your new account — many banks do this automatically for a short window, which gives you a safety net if Social Security's system takes longer than expected.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your direct deposit information through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • Changes made online or by phone usually take effect within one or two business days, but only affect payments scheduled after the change is processed.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • If your old bank account is closing, ask the bank whether they will forward deposits automatically so you do not miss a payment during the transition.
  • Social Security will send you a notice in the mail confirming the change, which you should keep for your records.

What information you need before you start

Gather your new bank's routing number and your account number before you log in or call. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of a blank check in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers — they can provide them in seconds.

You will also need to know whether the account is a checking or savings account. Social Security accepts both, but the system will ask you to specify. If you are unsure, your bank can tell you when you call for the routing and account numbers.

Changing your direct deposit online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page — you will need an email address, a Social Security number, 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" on your dashboard.

Click the option to update your direct deposit. You will see fields for your routing number, account number, and account type. Enter the information carefully — a single digit wrong will cause the payment to fail or go to the wrong account. After you submit, you will see a confirmation screen. Write down the confirmation number or take a screenshot, and check your email for a confirmation message from Social Security.

The change is usually live within one or two business days. Your next scheduled payment will go to the new account. Social Security will mail you a notice confirming the change within 5 to 7 business days; keep this notice with your records.

Changing your direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Have your routing number and account number ready. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by asking questions about your Social Security record, then will walk you through updating your bank information.

The representative will read back the information to you before submitting it. Listen carefully and correct any errors on the spot. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down. The change takes effect within one or two business days, and you will receive a confirmation notice in the mail.

If you use a relay service or TTY, call 1-800-325-0778. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Changing your direct deposit in person

Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your new bank's routing and account numbers. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a blank check if you have one — it makes the process faster because the representative can read the numbers directly instead of typing them.

Tell the receptionist you want to update your direct deposit. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your current payment information, and enter your new bank details. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. The change takes effect within one or two business days.

What happens if your payment goes to the wrong account

If you made an error entering your bank information and a payment went to the wrong account, contact Social Security when ready. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Social Security can file a returned payment claim with the bank that received the deposit, which asks the bank to return the funds. This process usually takes 10 to 20 business days.

While you wait, you can ask Social Security whether they can issue a replacement check or make a manual payment to your correct account. Do not wait to report the error — the sooner you contact Social Security, the sooner they can recover the payment.

Changing your direct deposit if you are a representative payee

If someone else manages your SSDI payments as your representative payee, only that person can change the direct deposit account. The payee must contact Social Security using one of the three methods above (online, phone, or in person) and provide their own identification. Social Security will not accept a change request from you directly.

If you believe your payee is misusing your funds or you want to change who your payee is, contact Social Security to discuss your concerns. You can also request a hearing before an administrative law judge if you disagree with the payee arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my direct deposit to change?

Changes made online or by phone usually take effect within one or two business days. Payments scheduled before the change goes through will still go to your old account. You will receive a confirmation notice in the mail within 5 to 7 business days.

Can I change my direct deposit to a different person's bank account?

No. Social Security requires that direct deposit go to an account in your name or, if you have a representative payee, in the payee's name. You cannot redirect your payment to someone else's account, even a family member's.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can receive your SSDI payment on a prepaid card or through a check mailed to your address. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss these options with a representative. Some prepaid cards are designed specifically for federal benefit payments and have no monthly fee.

Will changing my direct deposit affect my Medicare or Medicaid?

No. Your direct deposit account is separate from your health insurance. Changing where your SSDI payment goes does not change your Medicare or Medicaid coverage or your premium payments.

Can I set up direct deposit to multiple accounts?

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