How you receive your SSDI payment
Social Security requires you to receive your SSDI payment by direct deposit into a bank account. You cannot choose to receive a paper check instead. If you do not have a bank account, Social Security will set you up with a Direct Express card — a prepaid debit card that works like a bank account for the purpose of receiving your payment.
Direct deposit means the money goes into your account on the same day each month, usually the third, fourth, or fifth business day of the month depending on your birth date. You do not have to do anything each month to receive it — once it is set up, the payment arrives automatically.
If you already receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits, your SSDI payment will go to the same account or card. If you are switching from one type of benefit to another, Social Security will use the deposit information you already have on file.
Key Takeaways
- Direct deposit is required for all SSDI payments; paper checks are no longer an option.
- If you do not have a bank account, you can use a Direct Express card, which Social Security will issue to you at no cost.
- Your payment arrives on a set day each month based on your birth date, and you do not need to take any action to receive it.
- You can change your bank account or card information by contacting Social Security, and the change usually takes one or two pay periods to go into effect.
- If your payment does not arrive on the expected day, contact Social Security within three business days to report the problem.
Setting up direct deposit for the first time
When you are first approved for SSDI, Social Security will ask you for your bank account or card information as part of the approval process. You will need to provide your account number and routing number if you have a bank account, or agree to receive a Direct Express card if you do not.
If you did not provide this information during your initial approval, you can set it up by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with a bank statement or other proof of your account number and routing number.
Once Social Security has your information, your first payment will arrive by direct deposit within one to two weeks. If you chose the Direct Express card, Social Security will mail it to you, and you can start using it as soon as it arrives.
What happens if you do not have a bank account
Social Security will issue you a Direct Express card at no cost to you. This card works like a debit card — your SSDI payment is deposited onto it each month, and you can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs, pay bills online, or make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.
The Direct Express card is managed by a company called Conduent, not by Social Security directly. You can check your balance, set up alerts, and manage your account through the Direct Express website or mobile app. There are no monthly fees for basic use, though some ATM withdrawals outside the Direct Express network may have a small charge.
If your Direct Express card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can call the number on the back of the card to report it and request a replacement. Social Security will send you a new card in the mail, usually within five to seven business days.
Changing your bank account or card information
You can change where your SSDI payment goes at any time. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your new account number and routing number, or visit your local Social Security office with a recent bank statement showing your new account details.
The change usually takes effect within one or two pay periods. During the transition, make sure you have access to both your old and new accounts in case Social Security deposits to the old one while the change is processing. Once you see the payment in your new account, you can close the old one if you wish.
If you are switching from a bank account to a Direct Express card, or vice versa, the process is the same — call or visit in person with your new account information.
What to do if your payment does not arrive
Your SSDI payment should arrive on the same day each month. If it does not show up by the end of that business day, contact Social Security within three business days to report it. Call 1-800-772-1213 and have your account number ready.
Social Security will investigate where the payment went. Common reasons for delays include a bank error, a closed account, or incorrect routing information. If your account was closed or the routing number changed without Social Security knowing, the payment may be returned to Social Security and reissued to the correct account.
If Social Security cannot locate your payment within 10 business days, they will issue a replacement payment. Do not wait longer than three business days to report a missing payment, because Social Security needs time to trace it before issuing a new one.
Direct Express card fees and how to avoid them
The Direct Express card itself is free — Social Security covers the cost. However, some uses of the card may have small fees. Withdrawing cash from an ATM outside the Direct Express network typically costs $1.50 to $3.00 per withdrawal, depending on the ATM operator.
To avoid these fees, use ATMs that are part of the Allpoint network, which has over 55,000 ATMs nationwide and does not charge Direct Express cardholders. You can find a nearby Allpoint ATM on the Direct Express website or app.
Other services like balance inquiries, bill pay, and purchases at stores are free. If you lose your card or request a replacement, there is no fee for that either.
Taxes and your SSDI payment
SSDI payments are not taxed at the federal level for most people. However, if you have other income above a certain threshold, a portion of your SSDI may become taxable. Social Security will send you a form SSA-1099 each January showing how much you received in the previous year, which you will need for your tax return.
If you think your SSDI payment may be taxable, speak with a tax professional or contact the IRS. Social Security itself does not withhold taxes from your payment, so you may owe taxes when you file your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive my SSDI payment on a different day each month?
No. Social Security assigns you a payment day based on your birth date, and it stays the same every month. Your payment arrives on the third, fourth, or fifth business day of the month depending on when you were born. You cannot change this date.
What if my bank account is overdrawn when my SSDI payment arrives?
Your SSDI payment will still be deposited into the account, even if it is overdrawn. However, the bank may use part of the deposit to cover overdraft fees or negative balance. Contact your bank to understand their overdraft policies.
Can someone else receive my SSDI payment for me?
No. Your SSDI payment must go into an account in your name or onto a card issued to you. If you cannot manage your money due to a disability, Social Security can appoint a representative payee to manage the funds on your behalf, but the payment still goes to an account in your name.
What happens to my SSDI payment if I move to another country?
SSDI payments can continue if you move to most countries, but not all. Some countries have restrictions on receiving U.S. benefits. Contact Social Security before you move to find out whether your payment will continue and whether you need to update your address.
Is my Direct Express card protected if it is lost or stolen?
Yes. Direct Express cards have fraud protection similar to a debit card. If you report your card lost or stolen within a certain time frame, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges. Report a lost or stolen card when ready by calling the number on the back of your card.