You can change your direct deposit bank account through Social Security's online portal, by phone, or in person at a local office

Social Security lets you update your direct deposit information without visiting an office or waiting on hold for hours. The fastest route is my Social Security, the official online account portal where you can change your bank details in minutes. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security directly or walk into your nearest field office with your ID and banking information.

The change typically takes one to two pay cycles to show up in your new account. Social Security processes updates on a rolling basis, so the exact timing depends on when in the month you submit the change and when your next payment date falls. During the transition, keep your old account open until you see the deposit hit the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a my Social Security account online to change your bank details in minutes without calling or visiting an office.
  • You will need your routing number and account number from your bank, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
  • Changes take one to two pay cycles to process, so do not close your old account when ready after requesting the switch.
  • If you do not have internet access or an online account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office with your ID and bank information.

Setting up or logging into my Social Security online

The my Social Security portal is where you manage your direct deposit, view your payment history, and update your personal information. If you already have an account, log in at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not, you will need to create one using your Social Security number, email address, and a password you choose.

Creating an account takes about five minutes. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID. Once you are logged in, your dashboard shows your current payment amount, payment date, and banking information on file.

Locating your new bank's routing and account numbers

Before you make the change, gather your new bank's routing number and your account number. These are the two pieces of information Social Security needs to set up direct deposit to a different account.

The easiest place to find both is a check from your new account—the routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left, and your account number follows it. If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. You can also log into your bank's online portal; most banks display these numbers in the account details or settings section. Write them down before you start the Social Security change process.

Changing your bank account through my Social Security

Once you are logged into my Social Security, look for the "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" section on your dashboard. Click on the option to change your direct deposit details. Social Security will ask you to enter your new bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).

Double-check both numbers before you submit—a single digit wrong will send your payment to the wrong place or cause the deposit to fail. Social Security will show you a summary of the change before you confirm it. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email confirming the request.

Changing your bank account by phone

If you prefer not to use the online portal, call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your routing number and account number ready. A representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your Social Security record, then update your direct deposit information over the phone.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls (before 10 a.m.) and calls on Tuesday through Thursday tend to have shorter waits. The representative will confirm the change before hanging up and will mail you a written confirmation within a few days.

Changing your bank account in person at a Social Security office

You can also visit your local Social Security field office to update your direct deposit. Bring your Social Security card (or a document with your number on it), a photo ID, and your new bank's routing and account numbers. The staff member will update your information on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change was processed.

To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, though walk-ins are accepted. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location.

What happens during the transition between accounts

After you submit the change, Social Security will process it within one to two pay cycles. Your next payment may still go to your old account if it was already scheduled before the change went through. Keep both accounts open until you see a deposit land in your new account, which confirms the switch worked.

If a payment lands in your old account after you expected it to go to the new one, do not panic—this is normal during the transition. Once you see a deposit in the new account, you can safely close the old one or let it sit dormant. If a payment does not show up in either account after two pay cycles, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through.

Fixing a mistake if you entered the wrong bank information

If you realize you gave Social Security the wrong routing number or account number, log back into my Social Security and update it again. The change will take another one to two pay cycles to process. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to correct it over the phone.

If a payment was already sent to the wrong account because of an error, contact your bank to see if they can recover it. Banks can sometimes retrieve misdirected deposits if you catch the mistake quickly. Social Security cannot reverse a payment once it has been sent, so your bank is your best option for recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Social Security processes direct deposit changes within one to two pay cycles. Your next scheduled payment may still go to your old account if it was already in the system before your change was submitted. Once you see a deposit in your new account, the switch is complete.

Can I change my direct deposit to a different bank account type, like from checking to savings?

Yes. When you update your direct deposit information, you will specify whether the account is checking or savings. Social Security accepts both types. Make sure you enter the correct account type for the account you are switching to.

What if I do not have a bank account yet?

You will need to open a bank account before you can set up direct deposit. Once you have an account and your routing and account numbers, you can update Social Security using any of the three methods—online, by phone, or in person.

Can I change my direct deposit if I am receiving benefits for someone else, like a child?

If you are a representative payee managing benefits for another person, you can change the direct deposit account through my Social Security if you have access to that account, by phone, or in person. You will need to verify your relationship to the beneficiary and provide your ID.

What if my bank closes or merges with another bank?

If your bank closes, you will need to open an account at a new bank and update Social Security with the new routing and account numbers. If your bank merges, your account may stay the same or you may receive a new account number—contact your bank to confirm, then update Social Security if anything changed.