SSDI payments go directly to your bank account on the third of each month, unless you chose a different payment method when you set up your account
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are deposited into whichever bank account, credit union account, or prepaid card you registered with the Social Security Administration. You do not have to do anything each month—the deposit happens automatically on a schedule. If you have not set up direct deposit, Social Security will mail you a check instead, which takes longer and carries the risk of loss or theft.
The payment date depends on your birth date. Most people receive deposits on the third of the month. If the third falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deposit arrives on the last business day before that date. You can check your exact payment date by logging into your my Social Security account online or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive your benefits. Once it is set up, you do not have to worry about mail delays, lost checks, or having to visit a bank to deposit a paper check. Your money is available to use as soon as it hits your account.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI payments deposit automatically on the third of each month (or the last business day before if the third is a weekend or holiday) into the account you registered with Social Security.
- You can set up or change your direct deposit information through your my Social Security account online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
- If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, check your payment history in my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 within three days of the expected deposit.
- Changing banks or closing an account without updating Social Security will cause your payments to fail, and you may face delays in receiving replacement funds.
- If you receive a notice that your account information is invalid, update it when ready to prevent missed payments.
How to set up or change your direct deposit account
If you have not yet set up direct deposit, you can do so through your my Social Security account. Log in, go to the "Payment" section, and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on a blank check, or you can call your bank to ask for them.
You can also set up or update direct deposit by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your bank information ready when you call. A representative will verify your identity and enter the information into your account.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit your local Social Security office with a blank check or a letter from your bank showing your routing and account numbers. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. Changes usually take effect within one or two business days, though in rare cases it can take up to a week.
What happens if your direct deposit fails
If your bank rejects your SSDI deposit—because the account is closed, the routing number is wrong, or the account holder's name does not match—Social Security will attempt to redeposit the payment. If the second attempt also fails, Social Security will send you a check by mail for that month's payment.
A failed deposit usually means you entered incorrect account information or your account was closed without updating Social Security. When this happens, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining why the deposit failed. The notice will tell you to update your account information right away.
Do not wait. If you do not update your information within a few months, Social Security may stop trying to deposit your payment and will switch you to check payments instead. This can delay your money by a week or more each month. Update your direct deposit information as soon as you receive a failure notice.
Changing banks or closing an account
If you are switching banks or closing your current account, update your direct deposit information with Social Security before you close the old account. If you close the account first and forget to update Social Security, your next payment will be rejected and you will have to wait for a replacement check.
When you open a new account at a different bank, get the routing number and account number from your new bank before you contact Social Security. Then log into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 to change your direct deposit information. The new account should be active and in your name.
If you accidentally closed your account before updating Social Security, call Social Security when ready. Explain what happened and provide your new account information. Social Security can reissue the failed payment to your new account, though this may take a few extra days.
Checking your payment history and deposit dates
You can see all your SSDI deposits and their dates in your my Social Security account. Log in, go to "Payment History," and you will see a list of every deposit for the past 12 months, including the date it was deposited and the amount. This is useful if you think a payment is missing or if you want to confirm that a deposit went through.
If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security).
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about a specific payment. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative can tell you the date your payment was deposited and confirm that it went to the correct account.
What to do if a payment is late or missing
If your SSDI deposit does not arrive on the expected date, wait until the next business day. Deposits sometimes take an extra day to show up in your account, especially if your bank processes them overnight.
If the payment still has not arrived by the day after the expected deposit date, log into my Social Security and check your payment history. If the history shows that the payment was deposited, contact your bank—the money may be in your account but not yet visible, or there may be a hold on the deposit.
If the payment history shows that the deposit was not sent, or if you see an error message, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 within three days of the expected payment date. Explain that your payment did not arrive and provide the date you expected to receive it. Social Security can investigate whether the payment was rejected by your bank or if there is a problem with your account.
Do not assume the payment is lost. Most late payments arrive within a few days. Calling Social Security right away helps them track down the problem faster and reissue the payment if needed.
Direct deposit and representative payees
If Social Security appointed a representative payee to manage your benefits because of a medical or legal reason, the direct deposit still goes to the account that the payee registered. You cannot change the direct deposit information yourself—the payee must do it.
If you believe the payee is misusing your benefits or if your circumstances have changed and you no longer need a payee, you can ask Social Security to remove the payee. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to start this process. Social Security will review your request and may schedule a hearing if the payee objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my SSDI payment deposited to someone else's bank account?
No. Your SSDI payment must be deposited to an account in your name. If you need someone else to help you manage the money, you can ask Social Security to appoint a representative payee, but the deposit still goes to an account you control or that the payee controls on your behalf.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can use a prepaid card or a credit union account instead of a traditional bank account. Many prepaid cards are designed for people without bank accounts and work the same way as direct deposit. Ask your card provider for the routing number and account number, then set up direct deposit the same way you would with a bank.
How long does it take to set up direct deposit?
Changes to your direct deposit information usually take effect within one or two business days. In rare cases, it can take up to a week. If you need your payment to go to a new account urgently, call Social Security and ask them to prioritize the change.
Will my SSDI payment change if I move to a different state?
No. Your SSDI payment amount does not change based on where you live. Your direct deposit will continue to the same account, and you do not need to notify Social Security about a move unless you change your mailing address or contact information.
What if I receive a notice that my direct deposit account is invalid?
Update your account information when ready. This notice means Social Security tried to deposit your payment but your bank rejected it. If you do not update your information within a few months, Social Security will switch you to check payments, which delays your money by a week or more each month.