You can change your Social Security direct deposit bank account through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local office

Social Security direct deposit goes to whichever bank account you registered when you set up the payment method. If you've switched banks, closed an account, or want to move your payments elsewhere, you can update this information without interrupting your benefits. The process takes a few minutes online or about 15 minutes on the phone, and the change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles.

You'll need your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number and account number, and proof of your identity if you go in person. The fastest route is the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account set up already. If you don't have online access or prefer to speak with someone, calling the Social Security Administration or visiting a local office both work, though phone wait times can run long during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your direct deposit bank account online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank directly.
  • Changes made early in the month usually take effect with your next payment; changes made late in the month may not process until the following payment cycle.
  • If you close your old bank account before the change processes, Social Security may send your payment to a holding account and you'll need to contact them to redirect it.

Changing your bank account online through my Social Security

The my Social Security website is the fastest way to update your direct deposit information. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you don't have an account, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you if needed.

Once you're logged in, look for the "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" section — the exact wording varies depending on when your account was created. Click on it and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You'll be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Double-check both before you submit, because a wrong number can send your payment to the wrong account. After you submit, you'll see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security will send you an email confirmation as well.

The change usually takes effect with your next scheduled payment date. If you made the change before the 10th of the month, it will likely process with that month's payment. If you made it after the 10th, it may not go through until the following month's payment. You can check the status of your change by logging back into my Social Security a few days after you submit it.

Changing your bank account by phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

When you reach a representative, tell them you want to change your direct deposit bank account. They'll ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and possibly your date of birth or mother's maiden name. Then they'll ask for your new bank's routing number and your account number. Read both numbers back to the representative to make sure they entered them correctly. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down.

Processing time by phone is the same as online: usually one or two payment cycles. If you don't see the change reflected in your account after two payments, call back with your confirmation number and ask them to check the status.

Changing your bank account in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into any local Social Security office and request a direct deposit change. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and a blank check from your new bank (or write down the routing number and account number before you go). You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Tell the staff member at the window that you need to update your direct deposit information. They'll fill out the form with you and verify your identity. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a receipt showing the change was submitted. Processing time is the same as the other methods — one or two payment cycles.

Going in person is useful if you don't have internet access, don't have a my Social Security account, or prefer to handle it face-to-face. It also eliminates the risk of typing a number wrong, since the staff member will write it down and you can see it on the form before they submit it.

Where to find your new bank's routing and account numbers

Your bank's routing number and your account number are printed on the bottom left of any check from that account. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you don't have checks, call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number for direct deposit purposes, and they'll give you both numbers over the phone.

Some banks also let you find this information in their mobile app or online banking portal. Log in, look for account details or settings, and you should see both numbers listed. Write them down carefully — a single digit wrong will send your payment to the wrong account.

What happens if you close your old bank account before the change processes

If you close your old account and Social Security hasn't yet moved your direct deposit to the new one, your payment will be returned to Social Security. They'll hold it in a temporary account, and you'll need to contact them to redirect it to your new bank. This can delay your access to the money by a week or more.

To avoid this, change your direct deposit information before you close your old account. Wait at least one full payment cycle after you make the change — so if you change it on the 5th of the month and your payment arrives on the 20th, wait until after that payment clears before closing the old account. If you've already closed the account and your payment bounced, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. They can reissue the payment to your new account, though it may take several business days.

Timing your change to avoid missed or delayed payments

Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a rolling schedule, and the timing depends on when you submit the change relative to your payment date. If your payment date is the 3rd of the month and you submit a change on the 1st, it will likely process with that month's payment. If you submit it on the 15th, it probably won't process until the following month's payment.

The safest approach is to submit your change at least five business days before your scheduled payment date. You can find your payment date by logging into my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you're unsure whether your change will process in time, call Social Security and ask — they can tell you whether it will go through with the next payment or the one after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit to a different person'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, but that's a separate process that requires an process and approval.

What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

If you catch the mistake before your payment is sent, log back into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 and submit a correction. If your payment has already gone to the wrong account, contact that bank and ask them to return it. Then contact Social Security and resubmit the correct information. The bank that received the payment by mistake is required to return it, though it may take a few business days.

How long does it take for the change to show up?

Most changes take effect with your next scheduled payment, which is usually one to two weeks after you submit the change. If you submit it very close to your payment date, it may not process until the following month. You can check the status in my Social Security or by calling Social Security to confirm the change went through.

Do I need to notify my bank that I'm receiving Social Security direct deposit?

No. You don't need to tell your bank anything. Once Social Security has your routing number and account number, they can deposit money into that account on their own. Your bank will straightforward receive the deposit and credit it to your account.

Can I have my Social Security payment split between two bank accounts?

No. Social Security only allows one direct deposit account per person. If you want to split your payment, you would need to receive it in one account and then transfer money to a second account yourself.