You can change where your Social Security payment goes by phone, online, or in person

Social Security lets you change your direct deposit account at any time — you do not have to wait for a specific date or give advance notice. The fastest way is to call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also make the change online through your my Social Security account, or visit your local Social Security office in person. The change usually takes one to three business days to go into effect, though some banks process it faster.

You will need your bank's routing number and your account number ready before you start. If you are switching to a different bank entirely, contact that bank first to confirm they accept Social Security deposits — most do, but it is worth checking. If you are changing the account type (say, from checking to savings), your bank can tell you whether Social Security deposits are allowed into that account type.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 to change your direct deposit over the phone, or log into your my Social Security account online to do it yourself.
  • Have your new bank's routing number and your account number ready before you call or log in.
  • The change takes one to three business days, so your next payment may still go to your old account if you change it close to your payment date.
  • If you close the old account before the change takes effect, Social Security will send a paper check to your mailing address instead.
  • You can change your direct deposit as many times as you need — there is no limit.

Changing direct deposit by phone

Calling Social Security is often the quickest route if you reach them during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your account number in front of you. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, then update your account on the spot.

If you call near the end of the month, ask the representative when your next payment is scheduled. If the change does not process in time, your payment will go to your old account. In that case, you can contact your old bank to have the funds transferred, or wait for Social Security to issue a paper check (which takes longer).

Changing direct deposit online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your direct deposit without calling. Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount, go to "Manage Your Benefits," and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You will enter your new bank's routing number and account number, then confirm the change. The system will show you when the change takes effect.

Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes if you do not have one yet. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security). Once your account is set up, you can change your direct deposit anytime, day or night.

Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office

If you prefer to handle this face-to-face, visit your local Social Security office. Bring your Social Security card (or a document with your number on it), a photo ID, and proof of your new bank account — a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank showing your routing and account numbers all work. The office staff will update your account while you wait.

Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely by location and time of day. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or check ssa.gov/locator to find your nearest office and see if they offer appointments. Many offices now let you book a time slot online, which can save you hours of waiting.

What happens if your old account closes before the change takes effect

If you close your old bank account before Social Security processes the direct deposit change, your payment will be rejected by the bank. Social Security will then mail you a paper check instead, which takes about two weeks to arrive. To avoid this, wait until your direct deposit change has gone through (one to three business days) before closing the old account.

If this has already happened to you, contact Social Security to confirm they have your new bank information on file. Once they do, your next payment will go directly to your new account. You can also ask Social Security to reissue the payment to your new account if the paper check has not arrived yet.

Changing direct deposit if you do not have a bank account

Social Security requires direct deposit for most people receiving benefits, but if you do not have a bank account, you have other options. You can set up direct deposit to a prepaid debit card — many banks and credit unions offer these, and they work just like a checking account for receiving deposits. You can also use a savings account instead of checking, though confirm with your bank first that they accept government deposits into savings.

If you truly cannot open a bank account, contact Social Security to discuss alternatives. In rare cases, they may allow you to receive a paper check, though this is not the standard route and comes with delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?

Most changes take one to three business days. If you change your direct deposit close to your payment date, your next payment may still go to your old account. Social Security processes payments on a schedule based on your birth date, so ask the representative when your next payment is due before you make the change.

Can I change my direct deposit more than once?

Yes, you can change it as many times as you need. There is no limit on how often you can update your account. Just make sure your new bank account is set up and active before you make the change.

What if I do not know my bank's routing number?

Call your bank and ask for your routing number — they can give it to you over the phone. You can also find it on a blank check (it is the first set of numbers at the bottom left), or log into your bank's website, where it is usually listed under account details.

What if my direct deposit goes to the wrong account by mistake?

Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. They can stop the payment if it has not processed yet, or work with your bank to recover the funds if it has. Have your correct account information ready when you call.

Do I need to notify Social Security if I change banks but keep the same account type?

Yes, you must update your direct deposit information with Social Security even if you are moving to a different bank. Each bank has a different routing number, so Social Security needs the new one to send your payment to the right place.