You can change your direct deposit through Social Security's online portal, by phone, or in person at your local office

The Social Security Administration lets you change where your monthly payment goes without visiting an office or waiting on hold for hours. You have three routes: the my Social Security online account (the fastest), a phone call to Social Security's main line, or a visit to your local Social Security office. All three methods take the same information and produce the same result — your payment will go to your new bank account instead of the old one.

The change usually takes one to two business days to process. Your next payment will go to the new account. If you need the change done urgently because your old account is closed or compromised, calling Social Security directly gets you a confirmation number on the spot, which is useful to have.

Key Takeaways

  • The my Social Security website is the fastest way to change your direct deposit if you have already set up an online account.
  • You will need your new bank account number and routing number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • Social Security's main phone line is 1-800-772-1213, and you can request a direct deposit change without scheduling an appointment.
  • The change takes one to two business days, and your next payment will arrive in the new account on your regular payment date.
  • If your old account is closed or you suspect fraud, tell Social Security when ready so they can flag your record.

Changing your direct deposit online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your direct deposit in about five minutes. Log in to your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, click on "Manage Your Benefits," then select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You will enter your new bank account number and routing number, review the information for accuracy, and submit. Social Security will send you a confirmation page with a reference number — save this.

You need your new bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the number Social Security will deposit into. Both appear on the bottom left of a blank check from your new bank. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers — they can give them to you over the phone in under a minute.

If you do not yet have a my Social Security account, you can set one up at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, passport, or state ID number. Creating the account takes about 10 minutes the first time.

Changing your direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. Have your new bank account number and routing number ready before you call.

The representative will ask you to confirm your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. They will then ask for your new account number and routing number, and they will read them back to you to make sure they are correct. Ask them to repeat any number you are unsure about. At the end of the call, they will give you a confirmation number — write it down.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Social Security has a TTY line at 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available on the main line at no cost.

Changing your direct deposit in person

You can visit your local Social Security office and request the change face-to-face. Bring a photo ID and your new bank account number and routing number. You do not need an appointment — walk-in visits are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) usually have shorter waits than afternoon visits.

The office staff will fill out the form with you, confirm the information, and give you a receipt. Keep the receipt until you see the payment arrive in your new account.

What to do if your old account is closed or compromised

If your old bank account is closed and Social Security tries to deposit your payment there, the bank will reject it and send it back. Social Security will hold the payment and contact you. This can delay your money by several weeks, so it is better to change your direct deposit before your old account closes.

If you suspect fraud or unauthorized access to your Social Security account or bank account, call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them. They can place a note on your record and may be able to stop a payment before it goes out. If your bank account itself has been compromised, contact your bank at the number on the back of your card and ask them to freeze the account or open a new one.

Timing and what to expect after you make the change

Social Security processes direct deposit changes within one to two business days. Your next scheduled payment will go to your new account on your regular payment date. If you changed your direct deposit on the 15th of the month and your payment is due on the 20th, it will arrive in the new account on the 20th.

Do not close your old account until you see the payment arrive in the new one. If something goes wrong — for example, if Social Security did not receive your new account number correctly — you want the old account still open so the payment does not bounce.

If you need to change your direct deposit again

You can change your direct deposit as many times as you need to. Some people change it when they switch banks, when they move to a new state, or when they add a joint account holder. The process is the same each time: provide the new account number and routing number, and Social Security will process it within one to two business days.

If you change your direct deposit multiple times in a short period, Social Security may contact you to confirm the changes are legitimate. This is a fraud prevention step. Have your confirmation numbers from previous changes ready if they call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have my Social Security payment split between two bank accounts?

No. Social Security only allows one direct deposit account per person. If you want to split your payment, you would need to deposit it into one account and then transfer money to a second account yourself, or ask your bank if they offer automatic transfer services between your accounts.

What if I do not have a bank account?

Social Security requires a bank account, credit union account, or prepaid debit card account for direct deposit. If you do not have one, you can open a basic savings account at most banks with just an ID and initial deposit (often $25 or less). Some credit unions and community banks offer accounts with no monthly fees. Alternatively, you can receive your payment on a prepaid debit card through a program called Direct Express, which Social Security can tell you about if you call 1-800-772-1213.

How long does it take for my payment to show up in the new account?

Once Social Security processes your change (one to two business days), your next payment will arrive on your regular payment date. Payments are typically deposited early morning on the payment date, though the exact time depends on your bank. Check your account the morning of your payment date.

What if I made a mistake entering my account number?

If you entered the wrong account number and your payment went to the wrong account, call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. They can stop future payments and help you recover the current one. The sooner you call, the better — payments that have already been processed are harder to recover. Also contact the bank that received the payment by mistake and ask them to return it.

Do I need to tell anyone else about my direct deposit change?

No. Social Security handles the change on their end. You do not need to notify your bank in advance — Social Security will send the payment to the account number you provide. However, if you are closing your old bank account, make sure the direct deposit change has gone through first and your first payment has arrived in the new account.