How to change your direct deposit information

You can change where your SSDI payments go by contacting Social Security directly. The fastest way is to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to update your direct deposit. You will need your Social Security number and the new bank account details ready. A representative will walk you through the change over the phone, and it usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles.

If you prefer not to call, you can visit your local Social Security office in person with your Social Security card and a form of ID. You can also create or log into your account at ssa.gov and update your direct deposit information yourself through "my Social Security" — this is the fastest option if you already have an account set up.

Before you contact Social Security, gather the routing number and account number from your new bank or credit union. These appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank and ask. Have this information ready so the change can be processed without delay.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your direct deposit by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at a Social Security office, or online through your "my Social Security" account.
  • The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.
  • You will need your routing number and account number from your new bank, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
  • If you change your direct deposit and do not receive a payment on the expected date, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through.

What information Social Security needs from you

Social Security will ask for your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of the specific account where you want payments sent). They may also ask whether the account is a checking or savings account. If you are setting up direct deposit for the first time, they will ask the same questions.

You do not need to provide a voided check anymore, though some people still do. Social Security can process the change with just the routing and account numbers. If you are unsure about either number, call your bank before you call Social Security — this prevents delays.

Changing direct deposit online through "my Social Security"

If you have a "my Social Security" account, you can update your direct deposit without calling or visiting an office. Log in at ssa.gov, click on "Manage Your Benefits," and look for the option to change your direct deposit or payment information. The system will ask for your routing number and account number, and you can save the changes when ready.

Creating a "my Social Security" account takes about 10 minutes if you do not have one yet. 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 your account is set up, you can change your direct deposit anytime without waiting for office hours or phone lines.

What happens during the transition between accounts

Your next SSDI payment will go to your new account once Social Security processes the change. This usually happens within one or two pay cycles. SSDI payments are sent on the third of each month (or the first business day after if the third falls on a weekend or holiday), so the timing depends on when you submit the change.

If you change your direct deposit on the 15th of a month, for example, your next payment on the 3rd of the following month will likely still go to your old account — the change may not process in time. The payment after that should go to your new account. If you do not see a payment arrive on the expected date, contact Social Security to confirm the change was recorded correctly.

Do not close your old bank account when ready after changing your direct deposit. Wait until you see at least one payment arrive in your new account to make sure the change went through. If there is a delay or error, you will still have access to your old account.

Changing direct deposit if you do not have a bank account

If you do not currently have a bank account, you have options beyond opening a traditional bank account. Some people use prepaid debit cards that have routing and account numbers, or they open accounts at credit unions, which often have lower fees than banks. You can also receive SSDI payments through a Direct Express card, which is a government-issued prepaid card designed for federal benefit recipients.

To set up a Direct Express card, visit usdirectexpress.com or call 1-888-224-4829. The card is free, and payments are deposited automatically. You can use it to withdraw cash, make purchases, or transfer money to another account. This is a common choice for people who want direct deposit without opening a bank account.

If your bank account information changes

If your bank merges with another bank, your routing number may change even though you keep the same account. Contact your bank to confirm whether your routing number has changed. If it has, you will need to update your direct deposit information with Social Security using the new routing number.

If you close your account and open a new one at the same bank, you will have a new account number. You must update Social Security with the new account number, or your payments will be rejected and returned. Your bank can tell you the new account number, or you can find it on a new check or statement.

Troubleshooting a missed or delayed payment

If you changed your direct deposit and your payment did not arrive on the expected date, first check your old account to see if it was deposited there by mistake. Sometimes delays happen if the change did not process in time for that month's payment cycle.

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that your new direct deposit information was recorded correctly. Have your new routing and account numbers ready so a representative can verify what is on file. If the information is wrong, they can correct it when ready. If the information is correct but the payment went to your old account, Social Security can investigate where the payment went and help you recover it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most changes take effect within one or two pay cycles. Since SSDI payments are sent on the third of each month, the timing depends on when you submit the change. If you change your direct deposit late in the month, the next payment may still go to your old account, but the payment after that should go to your new account.

Can I change my direct deposit over the phone without a "my Social Security" account?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to update your direct deposit. Have your Social Security number and new routing and account numbers ready. The representative will process the change and confirm it before you hang up.

What if I entered the wrong account number?

Contact Social Security as soon as you realize the mistake. Call 1-800-772-1213 or log into your "my Social Security" account and correct the information. The sooner you fix it, the sooner your next payment will go to the correct account. If a payment was already sent to the wrong account, Social Security can help you trace it.

Do I need to tell my bank that I am receiving SSDI payments?

No. Your bank does not need to know the source of your direct deposits. straightforward provide Social Security with your routing and account numbers, and the payments will be deposited like any other transfer. Your bank will show the deposits in your account statement.

Can I have my SSDI payments split between two accounts?

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