How to change your direct deposit for Social Security
You can change which bank account receives your Social Security payment by contacting Social Security directly — either online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office. The change usually takes effect within one or two months, though Social Security recommends making the switch at least a month before you need the new account active. If you are switching banks because your current account is closing, contact your old bank first to find out their final payment date, then time your Social Security change to land in the new account before that important date.
Social Security does not charge a fee to change your direct deposit, and you do not need to visit an office in person unless you prefer to. The fastest route for most people is the online my Social Security account, which shows the change when ready and requires no phone calls or paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit online through my Social Security, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- The change takes one to two months to process, so request it at least a month before you need the new account to receive your payment.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- If your bank is closing your account, confirm the final payment date with the bank before you submit the change to Social Security.
- Social Security will send a letter confirming the change, which you should keep for your records.
Changing direct deposit online through my Social Security
The my Social Security account is the fastest way to change your direct deposit. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. Once you are logged in, look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or a similar option in the account menu — the exact wording varies depending on whether you receive retirement, survivor, or disability benefits.
Click on the option to change your direct deposit. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Do not guess at these numbers — they are printed on the bottom left of a blank check from your new bank, or you can call the bank directly and ask for them. Enter the numbers exactly as they appear. After you submit, Social Security will show you a confirmation screen. Write down the confirmation number or take a screenshot, then check your email for a confirmation message from Social Security.
The change will not take effect when ready. Social Security processes direct deposit changes in batches, usually once a month, so the timing depends on when you submit the request. In most cases, your payment will arrive in the new account within one to two months. Social Security will mail you a letter confirming the change, which should arrive within two weeks.
Changing direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and other personal information, then will walk you through the change over the phone.
The representative will read back the routing number and account number to confirm they are correct before submitting the change. Ask them for a confirmation number and write it down. The change will take the same one to two months to process as an online change. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail.
Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
You can visit a local Social Security office and request the change in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Have your new bank's routing number and account number written down or on your phone so you can provide them to the representative. The office staff will submit the change for you and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.
Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose when to visit. The change will still take one to two months to process, the same as online or phone requests.
What to do if your bank is closing your account
If your current bank is closing your account or closing your branch, contact the bank and ask for the exact date your account will close and when the final payment will be processed. Then contact Social Security and request the direct deposit change to your new account, making sure to time it so the new account receives your payment before the old account closes.
If the timing is tight, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation. A representative may be able to prioritize your request or suggest an alternative, such as having your payment sent to a temporary account while the change processes. Do not wait until the last week — contact Social Security as soon as you know your account is closing.
Finding your bank's routing number and account number
Your bank's routing number and your account number are printed on the bottom of any check from that account. The routing number is the first set of nine digits on the left. Your account number follows the routing number. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. You can also log into your online banking and look for account details — most banks display this information in the account summary or settings.
Write down both numbers before you contact Social Security, whether online, by phone, or in person. Double-check that you have copied them correctly, because entering the wrong numbers will send your payment to the wrong account.
Tracking the status of your change
After you submit the change, you can check the status through your my Social Security account. Log in and look for a section showing your current direct deposit information. It will display the account you are currently using and may show a note if a change is pending. The status will update once the change has been processed.
If you submitted the change by phone or in person, you can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and provide your confirmation number to ask about the status. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. Social Security will tell you whether the change has been processed and when your next payment should arrive in the new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the direct deposit change to take effect?
Most changes take one to two months to process. Social Security processes direct deposit changes in batches, usually once a month. If you need the change to happen by a specific date, contact Social Security at least a month in advance and explain the situation — they may be able to prioritize your request.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
If you realize the mistake before your payment is sent, contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and request a correction. If your payment has already been sent to the wrong account, contact that bank and ask them to return the funds. Then contact Social Security to submit the correct information. This is why it is important to double-check the numbers before submitting.
Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a bank account yet?
You need a bank account number and routing number to set up direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, open one first, then contact Social Security to set up the direct deposit. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts with no monthly fee.
Will I miss a payment while the change is processing?
No. Your payment will continue to arrive in your current account until the change takes effect. Once the change is processed, your next payment will go to the new account. There is no gap in payments.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes, you can change your direct deposit as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to two months to process. If you are changing accounts multiple times in a short period, contact Social Security to confirm the timing so your payments do not get delayed.