Setting Up Direct Deposit for Your Child's SSDI Payments

How to Set Up Automatic Deposit for Your Child's SSDI Checks

You can have your child's SSDI payments deposited directly into a bank account instead of receiving a paper check each month. This is called direct deposit, and Social Security calls it Electronic Payment. Once it is set up, the money arrives on the same day each month without you having to go to the bank or cash a check.

You do not need a special account type. Any checking or savings account at a bank, credit union, or prepaid card provider will work. The setup takes about 10 minutes, and you can start it either online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.

Key Takeaways

Direct deposit sends your child's SSDI payment to a bank account on the same date each month, with no paper check to deposit.
You can set up direct deposit online through your Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
You will need the bank's routing number and your child's account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling the bank.
Direct deposit typically starts within one to two pay cycles after you submit the information, so your child may receive one more paper check before the switch happens.
You can change or cancel direct deposit at any time using the same methods you used to set it up.

Setting Up Direct Deposit Online Through Your Social Security Account

If you manage your child's Social Security account online, you can add direct deposit without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your account. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one using your email address and a password.

Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information." Click on it and select "Add Direct Deposit" or "Change Payment Method." You will be asked to enter the bank's routing number and your child's account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; the account number is the number of the specific account where you want the money to go.

You can find both numbers on a blank check from the account. The routing number is in the bottom left corner, and the account number is next to it. If you do not have a check, call the bank and ask for the routing number and account number. After you enter this information, Social Security will ask you to confirm it. Review it carefully before submitting, because mistakes can delay your payment.

Social Security will send a confirmation email to the address on file. Keep this email for your records. The direct deposit will usually start within one to two pay cycles — so your child may receive one more paper check before the deposits begin automatically.

Setting Up Direct Deposit by Phone

You can also set up direct deposit by calling Social Security directly. The main number is 1-800-772-1213. When you call, have your child's Social Security number ready, along with the bank routing number and account number.

Tell the representative that you want to set up direct deposit for your child's SSDI payment. They will ask you to confirm your child's identity and your relationship to them. Then they will walk you through entering the bank information. The representative will read back the routing number and account number to make sure everything is correct before finalizing the change.

Calls are typically answered during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the week may be faster. After the call ends, Social Security will mail a confirmation letter to your address on file.

Setting Up Direct Deposit in Person at a Social Security Office

If you prefer to handle this in person, you can visit your local Social Security office. Bring your child's Social Security card, a photo ID for yourself, and a blank check from the account where you want the payments to go — or write down the routing number and account number before you go.

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. You can search by city or zip code. Some offices require you to make an appointment; others accept walk-ins. Call ahead to ask whether an appointment is needed and what the current wait time is.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want to set up direct deposit for your child's SSDI payment. They will verify your child's information and enter the bank details into the system. You will receive a receipt showing what was submitted. The direct deposit will start within one to two pay cycles.

What Information You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you set up direct deposit, whether you are doing it online, by phone, or in person:

Your child's Social Security number
The bank's nine-digit routing number
Your child's account number (or the account number where you want the payment to go)
Your own photo ID if you are setting it up in person

If you do not have a blank check, call the bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number and account number. Most banks can give you this information over the phone in less than a minute. Write it down carefully — a single wrong digit will send the payment to the wrong account.

If your child is old enough to have their own bank account, use that account number. If you manage the money in a joint account or an account in your name, you can use that account number instead. Social Security does not require the account to be in your child's name.

When Direct Deposit Starts and What to Expect

After you submit your direct deposit information, Social Security processes it within one to two pay cycles. Your child's SSDI payment is issued on the third of each month (or the next business day if the third falls on a weekend or holiday). So if you set up direct deposit on the 10th of the month, your child will likely receive one more paper check on the 3rd of the following month, and then direct deposit will begin the month after that.

Once direct deposit is active, the money will arrive in the account on the same day each month. You will not receive a paper check. If you need to verify that the payment arrived, you can check the account online or call the bank. You can also view your child's payment history on the Social Security website by signing into your account and looking at the "Payment History" section.

If a payment does not arrive on the expected date, wait one business day and check again. If it still has not arrived after one business day, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the missing payment. Have your child's Social Security number and the account number ready.

Changing or Canceling Direct Deposit

You can change the account where payments are deposited or cancel direct deposit entirely at any time. Use the same method you used to set it up: online through your Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office.

If you want to switch to a different bank account, go through the direct deposit setup process again and enter the new routing number and account number. Social Security will update the information, and the change will take effect within one to two pay cycles. Your child may receive one more payment to the old account before the switch happens.

If you want to cancel direct deposit and go back to paper checks, tell Social Security that you want to stop direct deposit. Paper checks will resume within one to two pay cycles. Keep in mind that paper checks can be lost or stolen, so direct deposit is generally safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up direct deposit if my child does not have a bank account yet?

No, you need an active bank account to receive direct deposit. Open an account at a bank or credit union first, then set up direct deposit. Some banks offer accounts for minors; others require a parent or guardian to open a joint account. Call ahead to ask what the bank requires.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

If the payment goes to the wrong account, contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. They can stop the payment and resend it to the correct account, but you need to report it quickly. Also contact the bank that received the payment by mistake and ask them to return it.

Do I need to set up direct deposit separately for each child receiving SSDI?

Yes, each child's SSDI payment is separate. You will need to set up direct deposit for each child individually using their Social Security number and the account where you want their payment to go. You can have all your children's payments go to the same account, or to different accounts.

Can I use a prepaid card instead of a bank account?

Yes, many prepaid card providers accept direct deposit. The card must have a routing number and account number associated with it. Call the prepaid card company and ask whether they accept Social Security direct deposit, and they will give you the routing number and account number to use.

What happens to direct deposit if I move or change banks?

If you move, your direct deposit continues to the same account — your address change does not affect it. If you close the bank account or switch banks, you need to update the account information with Social Security before the next payment date. Set up direct deposit to the new account using the new routing number and account number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.