Yes, you can change your direct deposit online through your Social Security account
You can update where your Social Security payments go without calling or visiting an office. The fastest way is through my Social Security, the official account portal at ssa.gov. You log in, navigate to your payment information, and change your bank details in a few minutes. The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles — typically one to three weeks, depending on when you submit it.
If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you will need to create one first. This requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with the Social Security Administration. Once your account is set up, changing your direct deposit takes about five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Log into my Social Security at ssa.gov, go to "Manage Your Benefits," and select "Change Direct Deposit" to update your bank information online.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number to complete the change.
- Direct deposit changes usually take effect within one to three weeks, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.
- If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one using your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity.
- You can also change your direct deposit by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office if you prefer not to use the online portal.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you log in. You will need your new bank's routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies your bank — and your account number. Both appear on a blank check, or you can call your bank and ask for them. Have your Social Security number handy as well.
If you are switching to a different type of account — for example, from a checking account to a savings account at the same bank — you still need the routing number and the new account number. Even accounts at the same bank may have different routing numbers depending on the branch or account type.
Step-by-step: changing direct deposit online
Go to ssa.gov and click "Sign In to my Social Security" in the upper right corner. Enter your username or email and your password. If you have not created an account, you will see a "Create an Account" button instead — follow that path first, which takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity.
Once you are logged in, look for "Manage Your Benefits" on the left side of the page. Click it, then select "Change Direct Deposit" from the menu. The system will show your current direct deposit information. Click the button to change it — the exact wording varies slightly, but it is usually "Update" or "Change Bank Account."
Enter your new bank's routing number and your account number in the fields provided. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a wrong digit will send your payment to the wrong account. The system will ask you to confirm the change. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation message with a date. That date tells you when the change takes effect.
How long the change takes to show up
Social Security processes direct deposit changes within one to three weeks. Your next payment after the change date will go to your new account. If you submit the change early in the month, it may take effect before your next scheduled payment. If you submit it late in the month, it might not take effect until the payment after next.
The exact timing depends on when Social Security receives and processes your request and when your next payment is scheduled. Your payment schedule is based on your birth date — payments go out on the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of each month depending on whether you were born on the 1st–10th, 11th–20th, or 21st–31st. If you are unsure of your payment date, check your my Social Security account or your last payment notice.
What to do if you do not have an online account
Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an Account," and enter your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity — you can do this by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by providing a phone number or address on file with Social Security.
Once your account is verified, you can log in and change your direct deposit when ready. If you run into trouble creating an account, you can change your direct deposit by phone instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your routing number and account number ready when you call.
Changing direct deposit by phone or in person
If you prefer not to use the online portal, you have two other options. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. Have your new routing number and account number ready. The representative will update your information over the phone, and the change will take effect within one to three weeks, just as it would online.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your new bank's routing number and account number. An employee will update your direct deposit for you. This method takes longer overall because you have to travel and wait, but it can be useful if you have questions or if you are having trouble with your online account.
What happens to payments during the switch
Your old account will not receive any more payments after the change takes effect. If a payment is already in process when you change your direct deposit, it will still go to your old account — direct deposit changes do not affect payments that are already scheduled. This is why it is important to keep your old account open for at least one full payment cycle after you make the change, in case a delayed payment arrives there.
If you close your old account before the change is complete, and a payment arrives after you close it, your bank will reject the deposit. Social Security will then try to send the payment again, which can cause a delay of several weeks. To avoid this, wait at least one month after the change takes effect before closing your old account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit on the same day I open a new bank account?
You can submit the change online or by phone on the same day, but the new account needs to be fully set up and active at your bank first. Contact your bank to confirm the account is ready to receive deposits before you submit the change to Social Security. The change will not take effect for one to three weeks anyway, so you have time to make sure everything is ready.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
Your payment will go to the wrong account. Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 to correct it. You can also log back into my Social Security and change it again. The sooner you catch the error, the sooner you can fix it before your next payment arrives in the wrong place.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is sending payments there?
No. Your bank will accept the deposit automatically once it arrives with the correct routing number and account number. You do not need to notify them in advance. If you want to set up alerts or make sure the deposit will be recognized, you can contact your bank, but it is not required.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes. You can change it as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to three weeks to take effect, so if you change it multiple times in a short period, keep track of which change is active and when the next one will take effect. To avoid confusion, wait until one change is complete before submitting another.
What if I do not have a bank account?
Social Security requires direct deposit for most beneficiaries, but if you do not have a bank account, you can receive payments on a Direct Express card instead. This is a prepaid debit card issued by Comerica. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about switching to Direct Express, or visit the Direct Express website at directexpresscard.com.