Update Your Bank Account Information With Social Security
You can change the bank account where Social Security deposits your SSDI payment by contacting Social Security directly. You do not need to visit an office in person — you can make this change by phone, online, or in person, whichever works for you. Social Security will stop depositing to your old account and start depositing to your new one within one to two pay cycles after you submit the change.
The process is straightforward because Social Security handles millions of account changes every year. You will need your new bank account number and routing number ready before you contact them. If you do not have those details, your bank can provide them — ask for your account number and the nine-digit routing number, sometimes called the ABA number.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your SSDI bank account by phone at 1-800-772-1213, online through your my Social Security account, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which your bank can provide in seconds.
- The change takes effect within one to two pay cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching banks to avoid a gap in access to your payment.
- If you do not have online access or a phone, visiting a Social Security office is the slowest but most reliable option.
Change Your Account Online Through My Social Security
The fastest way to change your bank account is through your my Social Security account on the Social Security website. Log in at ssa.gov using your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one in about five minutes using your email address and a phone number where Social Security can reach you.
Once you are logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu. Click on it and select the option to change your bank account. Enter your new routing number and account number exactly as they appear on your bank statements or in your bank's app. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a single digit wrong will send your payment to the wrong account.
After you submit the change, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security will send you an email confirming the change as well. Your new account should start receiving deposits within one to two pay cycles. Your regular SSDI payment date does not change — only where the money goes.
Change Your Account 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 new bank's routing number and your account number ready before you call. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by asking questions about your Social Security record, then will walk you through entering your new account information.
Phone wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and calls on Tuesday or Wednesday usually have shorter waits than afternoon calls or calls on Monday or Friday. If you reach a representative, the entire process takes about five to ten minutes.
After the call ends, ask the representative to confirm your new account number back to you so you can verify it is correct. Social Security will mail you a written confirmation within a few days. If you do not receive written confirmation within two weeks, call back to confirm the change went through.
Change Your Account in Person at a Social Security Office
Visit your local Social Security office with your ID and a document showing your new bank account number and routing number — a bank statement, a voided check, or a screenshot from your bank's app all work. You do not need an appointment, but you can schedule one online at ssa.gov to avoid waiting.
Bring the same identification you would use for any government office visit: a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The office staff will update your account information on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change. Processing takes the same one to two pay cycles as phone or online changes.
This option is slowest but most reliable if you have concerns about your account or want to speak to someone face-to-face. Office hours are usually 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, though some offices have extended hours. Call ahead to confirm your local office's hours before you go.
What Happens During the Transition Period
Between the time you request the change and the time your first payment hits your new account, your old account will still receive deposits. Do not close your old bank account when ready. Keep it open for at least two full pay cycles after you submit the change to Social Security, because deposits can take longer than expected if there are delays.
Once you see your SSDI payment arrive in your new account, wait one more pay cycle to confirm it is working consistently. Only then should you close your old account or remove it from Social Security's records. If something goes wrong and a payment lands in the old account instead, you will need that account to still be active so you can transfer the money.
If a payment does go to the wrong account by mistake, contact Social Security when ready. They can issue a replacement payment to your correct account, though this can take an additional week or two. The sooner you report the error, the faster they can fix it.
If Your Bank Account Information Is Incorrect
If you realize you gave Social Security the wrong routing number or account number, contact them right away using any of the three methods above. Do not wait for the next payment cycle. The sooner you correct it, the sooner Social Security can reroute your payment to the right place.
If a payment has already gone to the wrong account, Social Security can request that the receiving bank return the funds. This process is called a reversal, and it usually takes five to ten business days. In the meantime, Social Security will issue a replacement payment to your correct account so you do not go without your SSDI money.
Keep a record of the date you reported the error and the name of the person you spoke with, whether by phone or in person. If the replacement payment does not arrive within two weeks, you can reference this information when you follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my SSDI payment to go to the new account?
Social Security processes the change within one to two pay cycles. Your regular payment date does not change — the money just goes to a different account. If your payment date is the 3rd of the month and you request the change on the 20th, your next payment on the 3rd will likely still go to your old account, but the payment after that should go to the new one.
Can I change my bank account if I am behind on my SSDI payments?
Yes. Changing your bank account does not affect your payment status or any money you owe. If Social Security is withholding part of your payment for a debt, that withholding will continue to your new account. Contact Social Security about the debt separately if you want to discuss payment options.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You need a bank account to receive SSDI by direct deposit. If you do not have one, open an account at a bank or credit union before you contact Social Security. Many banks offer basic checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open, you can update Social Security with the new account information.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security will be depositing money?
No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Social Security will send the deposit using your routing number and account number, and your bank will process it like any other deposit. The money will appear in your account on your regular payment date.
What if I close my old bank account before the change takes effect?
If you close your old account before Social Security finishes processing the change, a payment may be returned to Social Security as undeliverable. Social Security will then issue a replacement payment to your new account, but this adds an extra week or two to the process. Keep your old account open for at least two pay cycles after you request the change.