You can change your direct deposit information online, by phone, or by mail — the fastest way is through your my Social Security account
Social Security payments go to the bank account you set up when you first started receiving benefits. If you want to move those payments to a different account — whether at another bank, a credit union, or a prepaid card — you do not need to call an office or fill out forms in person. You have three routes, and the online method takes about five minutes.
The account you choose receives your full monthly payment automatically on the same day each month. You can change it as often as you need to, and the change usually takes effect within one or two months. Social Security does not charge you to make the change, and neither do most banks.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change direct deposit is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, where you can update your bank details yourself without waiting for a representative.
- If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and a representative will update your information over the phone.
- 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.
- The change typically takes effect within one or two months, so plan ahead if you are switching banks or closing an old account.
- You can change your direct deposit as many times as you need, and Social Security will not charge you a fee.
Changing direct deposit through your my Social Security account
If you have already created a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, you can update your direct deposit information yourself without calling anyone. Log in with your username and password, then select "Manage your benefits" from the homepage. Look for the option labeled "Change direct deposit information" or "Payment information" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created.
Click that option and you will see your current bank details. You can then enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Before you enter them, call your new bank or look at a blank check to make sure you have the numbers right — a single digit wrong will send your payment to the wrong place. Once you submit the change, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Write down the date you made the change or take a screenshot, in case you need to reference it later.
If you do not yet have a my Social Security account, you can create one at the same website. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or state ID number. Creating the account takes about ten minutes, and then you can make the direct deposit change right away.
Changing direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security's main customer service line 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, because the representative will ask for them while you are on the line.
The wait time varies depending on the time of day and the day of the week. Calling early in the morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday usually means a shorter wait than calling on a Monday or Friday afternoon. When a representative answers, tell them you want to change your direct deposit information. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and possibly your date of birth or mother's maiden name.
Once they have confirmed who you are, give them your new bank's routing number and your account number. The representative will read the numbers back to you to make sure they are correct. Ask them to confirm the date the change will take effect — usually one or two months from the date you call.
Changing direct deposit by mail
You can also request a direct deposit change in writing. Send a letter to your local Social Security office that includes your full name, Social Security number, the new bank's routing number, and your new account number. You can find your local office address at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Mail takes longer than calling or using your online account — expect the change to take two to three months from the date Social Security receives your letter. If you use this method, send your letter by certified mail so you have proof that Social Security received it. Keep a copy for your records.
What information you need before you make the change
Gather these details before you contact Social Security:
- Your new bank's routing number: This is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. You can find it on the bottom left of a blank check, or call your bank and ask for it. Some banks list it on their website under "banking information" or "account details".
- Your new account number: This is usually printed on your checks or on your bank statement. If you cannot find it, call your bank and they will give it to you over the phone.
- Your Social Security number: You will need this to verify your identity, whether you are calling or using your online account.
Do not send your routing number or account number by email or through an unsecured website. Social Security will never ask you for this information by email. If someone claiming to be from Social Security emails you asking for bank details, do not respond — that is a scam.
When the change takes effect and what to expect
Social Security usually processes direct deposit changes within one or two months. During that time, your payment will still go to your old account. Once the change takes effect, your next payment will go to your new account instead.
If you are closing your old bank account, do not close it until at least two months after you request the change. If Social Security sends a payment to an account that no longer exists, the bank will return it and Social Security will have to reissue the payment, which can delay you by several weeks.
If you do not see your payment arrive in your new account by the date Social Security told you it would, contact Social Security again. Have the date you made the change ready, and ask them to confirm that the change went through. Sometimes a bank's routing number or account number is entered incorrectly, and Social Security can catch that and fix it.
Changing direct deposit for a representative payee or beneficiary
If someone else manages your Social Security account because you are unable to handle your benefits yourself, that person is called your representative payee. If you are the representative payee and need to change the direct deposit account, you can still use the my Social Security website, call the main line, or send a letter — the process is the same. You will need to verify your identity as the payee, not the beneficiary.
If you are the beneficiary and want to change who the representative payee is, or if you want to manage your own account instead, that is a separate process that requires more documentation. Contact your local Social Security office to discuss those changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit to a prepaid card or money market account?
Yes. As long as the account has a routing number and account number, Social Security will deposit your payment there. Prepaid cards, money market accounts, and savings accounts all work. Call your card or account provider if you are not sure whether they accept direct deposits.
What happens if I give Social Security the wrong routing number or account number?
Your payment will go to the wrong account or be rejected by the bank. Contact Social Security as soon as you realize the mistake and give them the correct information. They can reissue your payment, but it may take several weeks. Always double-check the numbers before you submit them.
Do I have to change my direct deposit if I switch banks?
Yes, if your new bank has a different routing number. Some banks keep the same routing number even if you move to a different branch, so call your new bank first to confirm. If the routing number is the same, you do not need to contact Social Security.
How long does it take to change direct deposit if I use the online account?
The change itself takes about five minutes to submit online. Social Security then processes it within one or two months, and your next payment after that goes to your new account. You will see a confirmation message right away, but the actual deposit will not move until the processing period is complete.
Can I have my Social Security payment split between two accounts?
No. Social Security sends your entire monthly payment to one account only. You cannot split it between two banks or accounts. If you want to move money to a second account after you receive it, you can do that yourself through your bank's transfer tools.