You can change where Social Security deposits your check in three ways: online through your My Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office

The fastest method is online if you already have a My Social Security account set up. You log in, go to your payment information, and update your bank details yourself—the change usually takes effect within one or two business days. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security's main line or visit an office in your area. All three routes work; the choice depends on what is easiest for you.

You will need your bank account number and routing number ready, whether you choose online, phone, or in-person. If you are switching to a new bank, contact that bank first to confirm your account number and routing number are correct before you submit the change. A mistake here means your deposit goes to the wrong place, and fixing it takes extra time.

Key Takeaways

  • Create or log into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov to change your direct deposit online in minutes without calling or visiting an office.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
  • Changes made online or by phone usually take effect within one or two business days, though some banks process deposits on different schedules.
  • If you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office.
  • Social Security will not charge you a fee to change your direct deposit information.

Setting up a My Social Security account to change online

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" or "Sign in" button. If you do not already have an account, you will create one by entering your email, creating a password, and answering security questions. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity—this usually means confirming personal details like your date of birth, Social Security number, and address.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Payment Information" or "Manage Your Benefits." Click on the option to change your direct deposit. You will see fields for your bank's routing number and your account number. Enter both carefully, then review the information before you submit. Social Security will show you the last four digits of the account number you entered so you can double-check it is correct.

After you submit, you should see a confirmation message on screen. Write down or take a screenshot of the confirmation number if one appears. The change typically takes effect within one or two business days, though some banks may take longer to process the first deposit to a new account.

Changing your direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your bank account number and routing number ready before you call. The wait time varies depending on the time of day and how busy the line is—calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

When a representative answers, tell them you want to change your direct deposit information. They will ask you to verify your identity by confirming your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Then they will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. Repeat the numbers back to them to make sure they heard correctly.

The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. Ask them when the change will take effect—usually one or two business days. If you do not receive your next deposit in the new account on the expected date, call back with your confirmation number and they can look up what happened.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213 to ask for the address. You can walk in during business hours, though some offices now require you to make an appointment first. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Have your bank account number and routing number written down.

Tell the staff member at the front desk that you need to change your direct deposit. They will direct you to someone who can help. The representative will verify your identity, ask for your bank information, and process the change right there. You will receive a written confirmation with a date when the change takes effect.

In-person visits take longer than phone or online—expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office, depending on how busy it is. However, if you have questions or concerns about your account, speaking face-to-face can sometimes resolve them faster than a phone call.

Finding your bank's routing number and account number

The easiest place to find both numbers is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left of the check. The first set of numbers (usually nine digits) is your bank's routing number. The second set of numbers is your account number. Write both down before you start the change process.

If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. They will give you both numbers over the phone. Some banks also show this information in their online banking portal or mobile app under account details.

Do not guess or use a number you think might be correct. A wrong routing number or account number means your Social Security deposit will go to the wrong place, and you will have to contact Social Security again to fix it. Take the 30 seconds to confirm the numbers are right.

What happens after you submit the change

Social Security processes changes to direct deposit information within one or two business days. However, your bank may take additional time to set up the new account for incoming deposits. Your next scheduled payment should arrive in the new account on the regular payment date—usually the third, fourth, or second Wednesday of the month, depending on your birth date.

If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, do not panic. Banks sometimes process deposits on different schedules, especially if the new account is brand new. Wait two or three business days past the expected date. If the money still has not arrived, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number and they can check the status of the change.

Do not close your old bank account when ready after you change your direct deposit. Keep it open for at least one or two months in case Social Security or your bank needs to reverse a deposit or if there is a delay. Once you have received two or three payments in the new account without problems, you can safely close the old account.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing direct deposit

The most common error is entering the wrong routing number or account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit, and if you are on the phone, repeat them back to the representative to confirm they heard correctly. A single digit wrong sends your money to the wrong place.

Another mistake is changing your direct deposit and then closing your old bank account right away. If there is a delay or a problem, Social Security or your bank may need to contact your old account. Keep the old account open for at least a month after the change takes effect.

Do not assume the change is complete just because you received a confirmation number. Verify that your payment arrives in the new account on the expected date. If it does not, contact Social Security when ready with your confirmation number so they can investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Social Security processes the change within one or two business days. Your bank may take additional time to set up the new account for incoming deposits. Your next scheduled payment should arrive in the new account on your regular payment date, which depends on your birth date.

What if I entered the wrong bank account number?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 right away and tell them you need to correct your direct deposit information. Have the correct account number ready. They can update it when ready, and the change usually takes effect within one or two business days. If your payment went to the wrong account, Social Security can work with your bank to recover it.

Can I change my direct deposit to a different bank?

Yes. You can change to any bank or credit union that accepts direct deposits. You will need the new bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. The process is the same whether you are changing banks or just updating information at your current bank.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my direct deposit?

No. Social Security does not charge any fee to change your direct deposit information. If a website or person claims to charge you for this service, it is not legitimate. Always use ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit an office in person.

What if I do not have a bank account?

Social Security can deposit your payment to a prepaid debit card or a savings account at a credit union instead of a traditional bank. You will need the routing number and account number for whichever account you choose. If you do not have any account, some communities offer free or low-cost bank accounts through local nonprofits or credit unions.