Contact the Social Security Administration to update your bank details

To change the bank account where Social Security sends your monthly payment, you need to contact the Social Security Administration directly. They do not process these changes through your bank—you must initiate the request with Social Security, and they will update their records on their end.

You have three main ways to reach Social Security: call their national customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers), visit your local Social Security office in person, or use your personal account on Social Security's website if you have created one. Phone lines are typically less busy before 10 a.m. on weekdays, and you should have your Social Security number and new bank account information ready when you call.

If you visit an office in person, bring a photo ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and the routing number and account number for your new bank account. The staff member will verify your identity and submit the change request when ready. Processing usually takes three to five business days, though in some cases it may take up to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security processes bank account changes through their office or phone line, not through your bank or a third-party website.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a photo ID, and your new bank's routing number and account number to make the change.
  • The change typically takes three to five business days to appear in Social Security's system, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.
  • If you have a my Social Security account online, you can also update your direct deposit information through that portal without calling.
  • Social Security will not send your payment to the old account after the change is processed, so confirm the new account is active before the change takes effect.

Using your my Social Security online account

If you have already created a my Social Security account on the Social Security website, you can change your direct deposit information without making a phone call. Log in to your account at ssa.gov, select "Manage Your Benefits," and look for the option to update your direct deposit or payment information.

The online process asks you to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Social Security will show you the last four digits of your current account before you confirm the change, so you can verify you are updating the correct information. After you submit the change online, it typically takes the same three to five business days to process.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one on the Social Security website using your email address, Social Security number, and other identifying information. The account creation process takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity through a series of security questions.

What information you need before you call or visit

Gather these details before you contact Social Security so the process moves quickly. You will need your Social Security number, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and your new bank account information.

From your new bank, you need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for these numbers. Some banks also display this information in their mobile app or online banking portal under account details.

If you are switching to a different type of account at the same bank—for example, from a checking account to a savings account—the routing number stays the same but your account number will change. Double-check that you have the correct account number for the account where you want deposits to land.

Timing: when the change takes effect

Social Security processes bank account changes during their regular business hours, Monday through Friday. If you submit your change request on a Friday afternoon or over the weekend, it will not be processed until the following Monday.

Once processed, the change usually takes effect within three to five business days. Your next monthly payment will go to the new account. If your payment date falls before the change is fully processed, that payment may still go to your old account—this is why you should confirm with your old bank that they will still accept deposits for a few days after you request the change.

If you are closing your old bank account, wait at least one week after your payment date to close it. This gives Social Security time to process the change and ensures your payment reaches the new account without being rejected.

What happens if you miss a payment during the switch

If a payment is sent to your old account after you have closed it or after the bank has frozen the account, the payment will be returned to Social Security. When this happens, Social Security will reissue the payment to your new account, but the process can take two to four weeks.

To avoid this delay, contact your old bank before closing the account and ask them to hold the account open for at least 10 days after your payment date. Many banks will do this without charging you a fee if you explain the situation. Alternatively, you can wait to close the old account until you have confirmed that at least one payment has successfully arrived in your new account.

If a payment does get lost during the transition, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. They can check the status of your payment and reissue it if necessary. Have your Social Security number and both bank account numbers ready when you call.

Changing direct deposit if you receive multiple benefits

If you receive more than one type of Social Security benefit—for example, retirement and a spouse's benefit, or survivor benefits—changing your bank account through Social Security will update the direct deposit for all of your benefits at once. You do not need to submit separate change requests for each benefit type.

The same applies if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to regular Social Security. One bank account change request covers both programs. However, if you receive benefits from a different federal program—such as Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement—those programs have separate direct deposit systems, and you will need to contact them separately to change your bank account.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing down the wrong routing number. Banks often have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction or the branch location. Always call your bank directly or check your bank's official website to confirm the correct routing number for direct deposits. Do not rely on a routing number from an old check or from a different bank.

Another mistake is closing your old bank account too quickly. Even after you have submitted a change request, Social Security may still send one more payment to the old account if the change has not fully processed. If the account is already closed, the payment will bounce and you will have to wait for Social Security to reissue it.

Some people also confuse their account number with their debit card number. Your account number is not the same as your card number. If you are unsure, call your bank and ask them to read your account number to you over the phone, or log into your online banking portal and look for "account details" or "account information."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the bank account change to show up in Social Security's system?

Social Security typically processes the change within three to five business days. Your next monthly payment will go to the new account once the change is complete. If your payment date falls before the change is processed, that payment may still go to your old account.

Can I change my direct deposit information at my bank instead of calling Social Security?

No. Your bank cannot change where Social Security sends your payment. Social Security maintains its own records of your bank account information, separate from your bank's system. You must contact Social Security directly to update this information.

What if I do not have a checking account and want to use a savings account instead?

Social Security accepts direct deposits to both checking and savings accounts. You will need the routing number and account number for your savings account. The process is the same as changing to a different checking account.

Can someone else change my direct deposit information if I give them permission?

Social Security requires you to verify your identity before making changes to your account. If you are unable to call or visit an office yourself, a representative payee (someone appointed to manage your benefits) or a legal guardian may be able to request the change on your behalf, but they will still need to provide proof of their authority and your identity information.

What should I do if Social Security sends my payment to the wrong account by mistake?

Call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and report the error. Have your Social Security number, the correct account number, and the account number where the payment was sent. Social Security can stop future payments from going to the wrong account and work with you to recover the misdirected payment.