You can change your direct deposit online, by phone, or by mail
Social Security lets you change where your monthly payment goes at any time. You do not have to wait for a specific date or give advance notice. The fastest way is through your personal Social Security account online at ssa.gov — you can make the change yourself in a few minutes. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security or submit a form by mail.
The change usually takes one or two business days to go into effect, though some banks may take longer to process the first deposit to a new account. If you are switching banks, it is a good idea to keep your old account open for a few days after the change to make sure the deposit lands in the right place.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit through your online Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by mailing Form SSA-7080 to your local Social Security office.
- The change takes effect within one or two business days in most cases, but some banks may delay the first deposit to a new account.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to set up direct deposit, whether you are changing banks or adding a new account.
- If you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can direct each payment to a different bank account if you choose.
Changing direct deposit through your online account
If you have a my Social Security account, you can log in and change your direct deposit information without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov, select "Sign in to my Social Security," and enter your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for the option to manage your payment information or direct deposit settings.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Your bank can provide both of these — they appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask. When you enter the new information, Social Security will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask for the account holder's name. After you submit the change, you should see a confirmation message on screen.
Changing direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. The representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other personal information. They will then update your direct deposit information in the system.
Social Security's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter earlier in the week and earlier in the day. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
Changing direct deposit by mail
You can submit Form SSA-7080 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) by mail to your local Social Security office. read the form from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for it to be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your new bank information, sign it, and mail it to the address shown on the form.
Processing by mail takes longer than online or phone — usually one to two weeks after Social Security receives the form. To speed things up, include a copy of a blank check or a bank statement showing your routing number and account number. Mail is the slowest option, so use it only if you cannot access your online account or reach Social Security by phone.
What information you need to have ready
Before you make any change, gather these details:
- Your bank's nine-digit routing number
- Your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits)
- The account type: checking or savings
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
If you are not sure where to find your routing number, check the bottom left corner of a blank check from your account. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line. Many banks also display this information in their online banking portal under account details or settings.
Changing direct deposit for both Social Security and SSI
If you receive both Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can direct each payment to the same account or to different accounts. When you change your direct deposit through any method, Social Security will ask which benefit or benefits you want to update. You can change one without changing the other.
This is useful if you want to keep your SSI payment separate from your Social Security payment for budgeting reasons, or if you have a representative payee who manages one benefit but not the other. Just make sure you know which account you want each payment to go to before you start the change process.
What to do if your change does not go through
If you submitted a change and the deposit does not arrive in the new account by the expected date, contact Social Security to confirm the change was processed. Call 1-800-772-1213 and have a representative verify what account information is on file. If there was an error in the routing number or account number, Social Security can correct it right away.
In the meantime, your old account may still receive a deposit if the change did not fully process. Do not close the old account until you have confirmed that at least one deposit has arrived in the new account. If Social Security made an error and sent money to the wrong place, they can work with you and your bank to recover it, but this takes time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to take effect?
Social Security usually processes the change within one or two business days. However, your bank may take additional time to set up the new account on their end, so the first deposit to the new account might arrive a few days later. Keep your old account open for at least a week after you make the change to be safe.
Can I change my direct deposit if I have a representative payee?
If someone else is your representative payee and manages your benefits, they have the authority to change your direct deposit. You can also request the change yourself, but Social Security may need to verify your identity and the payee's authority. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documentation you need.
What if I want to receive a check instead of direct deposit?
You can cancel direct deposit and request a paper check through your online account, by phone, or by mail. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell Social Security you want to stop direct deposit. Paper checks arrive by mail and take longer than direct deposit, so this is not recommended if you need your payment quickly.
Can I change my direct deposit to someone else's bank account?
No. Social Security requires that direct deposit go to an account in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the account holder. If you need someone else to manage your money, you can set up a representative payee through Social Security instead of changing your direct deposit.
What if I enter the wrong bank information?
Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them there was an error. They can correct it before the next payment is sent. If a payment was already sent to the wrong account, Social Security and your bank can work together to recover it, but this process takes time. It is why it is important to double-check your routing number and account number before you submit the change.