You can change your direct deposit bank account through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person — the process takes about five minutes and the new account usually receives your next payment
Social Security lets you change your direct deposit bank at any time. You do not have to wait for a specific date or give advance notice. The fastest way is through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov — you log in, go to "Payment Information," select "Change Direct Deposit," and enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative, or visit your local Social Security office in person with your Social Security card and a photo ID.
The change usually takes effect with your next scheduled payment. Social Security does not send a confirmation letter automatically, but you can check that the change went through by logging back into your account or calling the same number. If you are changing banks because your old account is closing, contact your current bank to find out when they stop accepting direct deposits — Social Security's change typically processes within a few business days, so you should have time before the account closes.
Key Takeaways
- The my Social Security online account is the fastest way to change your direct deposit bank — you can do it in minutes without calling or visiting an office.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- The change takes effect with your next payment, which arrives on the same schedule as before — usually the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of the month depending on your birth date.
- If you do not have an online account, you can change your direct deposit by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at a Social Security office.
- Social Security does not send a confirmation letter, so log back into your account or call to verify the change went through.
Setting up a my Social Security account if you do not have one
If you have never created an online account, you will need to do that first. Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will ask you security questions based on your credit history to verify your identity. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to see your payment amount, your payment date, and your current direct deposit information. You can also use the account to request a replacement Social Security card, check your earnings record, and report a change of address.
Finding your new bank's routing number and account number
You will need two pieces of information from your new bank: the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits that identify your specific account). The easiest place to find both is on a blank check from your new bank — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and your account number is the second set.
If you do not have checks, call your new bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number and your account number. You can also find the routing number on your bank's website, usually in the "Contact Us" or "Customer Service" section. Make sure you have the correct account number — if you enter it wrong, your payment will go to the wrong account and you will have to contact Social Security again to fix it.
Changing your direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit bank. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address for security purposes, then enter the new bank information into the system.
The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the representative to confirm the new routing number and account number back to you before you hang up, so you know it was entered correctly. The representative can also tell you when your next payment is scheduled and confirm that the change will take effect then.
Changing your direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
If you prefer to handle this in person, visit your local Social Security office. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your new bank's routing number and account number. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Walk-in hours vary by office, but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices require an appointment — when you call or visit, ask whether you need one. The staff member will verify your identity, enter your new bank information, and give you a receipt showing the change was processed.
What happens if your payment goes to the wrong account
If you entered the wrong account number or routing number and your payment went to an account that is not yours, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. Social Security can stop the next payment from going to that account and redirect it to the correct one, but they cannot retrieve a payment that has already been deposited.
If the payment went to someone else's account, that person's bank may be able to reverse the deposit, but it depends on the bank's policy and how quickly you report it. The sooner you call Social Security, the sooner they can fix the routing information and prevent future payments from going to the wrong place.
Timing your change if your bank is closing
If your current bank is closing or you are switching banks because your account is being closed, find out the exact date when the bank stops accepting deposits. Contact your current bank's customer service line and ask when they will no longer accept direct deposits to that account. Then change your Social Security direct deposit at least one week before that date to make sure the change processes in time.
Social Security's change usually takes effect within a few business days, but processing times can vary. If you are cutting it close to your bank's important date, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the change has gone through before your next payment date. If there is any doubt, visit your local Social Security office in person — that way you can get a receipt showing the change was processed on that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit on the same day I want the payment to go to the new account?
No. Social Security processes direct deposit changes within a few business days, so the change will not take effect until your next scheduled payment. If you need the money urgently, contact your old bank to see if they can hold the deposit and transfer it to your new account, or ask Social Security about other payment options like a debit card.
What if I do not know my account number?
Call your new bank's customer service line and provide your name and Social Security number — they can give you your account number over the phone. You can also log into your online banking account and find it there, or visit a branch in person with your ID.
Will changing my direct deposit affect my payment amount or payment date?
No. Your payment amount and payment date stay the same — only the bank account where the money is deposited changes. You will still receive your payment on the same day of the month as before.
Can someone else change my direct deposit for me?
Only if you give them power of attorney or they are your representative payee. Otherwise, Social Security requires you to make the change yourself for security reasons. If you cannot do it online or by phone, you can authorize someone to go with you to a Social Security office, but you must be present and sign the form.
What if I change my mind after I change my direct deposit?
You can change it back anytime using the same methods — online, by phone, or in person. The change will take effect with your next payment, just like the first change did.