You can change your direct deposit account online, by phone, or by mail — the fastest route is the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account

Social Security lets you change your direct deposit at any time without waiting for your next payment. You do not need to contact your bank. The process takes minutes online, or a few days by phone or mail. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.

The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment date, which is usually the third, fourth, or second Wednesday of the month depending on your birth date. If you change your direct deposit after the payment has already been processed, it will go to your old account — the new account receives the following month's payment.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change direct deposit is through your my Social Security account on ssa.gov, where the change takes effect within one business day.
  • You will need your bank's nine-digit routing number and your full account number, which appear on the bottom left of any check.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update it over the phone.
  • Changes made after your payment processes will not affect the current month — your money goes to the old account, and the new account receives next month's payment.
  • You can set up direct deposit to a savings account, checking account, or prepaid debit card, as long as the financial institution accepts ACH transfers.

Changing direct deposit through your my Social Security account

If you have already created a my Social Security account on ssa.gov, this is the fastest method. Log in, select "Manage your benefits" from the dashboard, then click "Change direct deposit information." You will see your current bank details. Click the option to change them, enter your new bank's routing number and your account number, and confirm the change. The system will show you the new account details to verify before you submit.

Social Security will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days. Your next payment will go to the new account. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one on the same website — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity, usually through your driver's license or state ID.

Changing direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and other personal details, then update your direct deposit information while you are on the phone.

The representative will read back the new account details to confirm they are correct. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Phone lines are typically less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. If you reach a busy signal, you can call back later or use the online method instead.

Changing direct deposit by mail

If you prefer to mail a request, send a letter to your local Social Security office. Include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the new bank routing number and account number. You can find your local office address at ssa.gov/locator. Mail takes longer — expect two to three weeks for the change to process — so use this method only if you cannot go online or call.

Keep a copy of your letter for your records. Social Security will send you a confirmation letter when the change is complete. This method is useful if you do not have phone or internet access, or if you prefer a paper trail.

What information you need from your bank

Before you make the change, gather two pieces of information from your bank: the routing number and the account number. Both appear on the bottom of a blank check — the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the left, and the account number is the second set of digits in the middle. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers.

Make sure you have the correct account type selected: checking or savings. Social Security will ask you to confirm this. If you are setting up direct deposit to a prepaid debit card, the card issuer can provide the routing and account numbers — not all prepaid cards accept ACH transfers, so confirm with the issuer first.

When the change takes effect and where your money goes

Social Security processes payments on a schedule based on your birth date. If your birthday is the 1st through the 10th, you receive payment on the second Wednesday of the month. If it is the 11th through the 20th, you receive payment on the third Wednesday. If it is the 21st through the 31st, you receive payment on the fourth Wednesday. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receive payment on the first of the month.

If you change your direct deposit before your payment processes, the new account receives the payment. If you change it after the payment has already been sent to your old account, that payment goes through as scheduled, and your new account receives the following month's payment. For this reason, it is best to make the change early in the month if possible.

Fixing a mistake or changing back to a different account

If you entered the wrong routing number or account number, you can change it again when ready using the same method. Social Security does not limit how many times you can update your direct deposit. If money went to the wrong account by mistake, contact that bank and ask them to return the deposit. You may also contact Social Security to report the error — they can sometimes help trace the payment.

If your bank account is closed or you are switching banks, change your direct deposit before the old account closes. If a payment arrives at a closed account, the bank will return it to Social Security, and you will receive a check in the mail instead. To avoid this, update your information as soon as you know you are changing banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the change to show up?

If you change it online through my Social Security, the change takes effect within one business day. By phone, it takes effect the same day you call. By mail, allow two to three weeks. Your next payment after the change processes will go to the new account.

Can I have my Social Security payment sent to someone else's bank account?

No. Direct deposit must be set up in your own name at a bank or financial institution in the United States. If you need someone to manage your money, you can set up a representative payee through Social Security, but the payment still goes to an account in your name.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can set up direct deposit to a prepaid debit card or a savings account at a credit union. Some prepaid card companies offer accounts specifically for government benefits. Call your bank or credit union to ask if they accept ACH transfers for Social Security payments.

Will my old bank keep the money if it goes there by mistake?

No. If a payment is sent to a closed account or the wrong account, the bank returns it to Social Security within a few business days. You will then receive a check in the mail. Contact Social Security if this happens so they can help locate the payment.

Can I change my direct deposit on the same day I receive a payment?

Yes, but the change will not affect the payment that day. If your payment has already been processed and sent, it goes to your old account. The new account receives your next scheduled payment.