You can change where Social Security deposits your check in about 10 minutes online, by phone, or in person
Social Security lets you change your direct deposit account at any time without waiting for a new payment cycle. You do not have to contact your bank — you work directly with Social Security through their website, a phone call, or by visiting a local office. The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles, though it can take longer if you switch to a new bank that takes time to set up the receiving account.
You will need your Social Security number, the routing number and account number for your new bank, and the account type (checking or savings). If you are switching banks, confirm with your new bank that the account is fully open and ready to receive deposits before you submit the change to Social Security.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change direct deposit is through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov, which takes about five minutes.
- You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update your information over the phone.
- Changes usually take one or two payment cycles to show up, but can take longer if your new bank is slow to set up the account.
- You need your routing number and account number from your new bank, not your old one, so have that information ready before you start.
- If you do not have online access or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit your local Social Security office with your ID and banking information.
Changing direct deposit through your online account
Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your my Social Security account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. The site will ask you to verify your identity, usually by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo ID.
Once you are logged in, look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or a similar option in the account menu. You will enter the routing number and account number for your new bank, select whether it is a checking or savings account, and confirm the change. The system will show you a summary of what you entered — check it carefully before you submit, because mistakes in the account number can send your payment to the wrong place.
After you submit, Social Security will send you a confirmation. Keep that confirmation for your records. The change takes effect on your next payment date or the one after that, depending on when you submit it relative to Social Security's processing schedule.
Changing direct deposit by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your routing number and account number ready when you call.
A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and other personal information. Once they confirm who you are, tell them you want to change your direct deposit. Give them the routing number, account number, and account type for your new bank. The representative will read back what you said to make sure it is correct before they submit the change.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number or reference number so you have a record of the call. Write it down along with the date and time you called. This protects you if there is a problem later.
Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and write down your routing number and account number before you go.
Tell the staff member you want to change your direct deposit. They will fill out the form with you and verify the information. You will receive a receipt showing the change has been submitted. Keep that receipt until you see the new deposit hit your account.
What to do if your change does not go through
If your payment does not arrive in your new account after two payment cycles, contact Social Security again. It is possible the bank rejected the account number because it was entered wrong, the account was not fully open, or there was a processing error on Social Security's end.
Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to check the status of your direct deposit change. They can see what information Social Security has on file and whether there were any errors. If the account number was wrong, they can correct it right away. If your new bank rejected the deposit, the representative can tell you that too, and you can contact your bank to find out why.
In the meantime, Social Security may have sent your payment to your old account. Contact that bank and ask them to transfer the money to your new account, or wait for Social Security to reissue the payment once the direct deposit is corrected.
Getting your routing and account numbers from your bank
You can find your routing number and account number on a check from your new bank — the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number is the second set of digits. If you do not have a check, log in to your online banking portal or call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers.
Make sure you are giving Social Security the information for the account where you want the deposits to go, not your old account. If you are switching banks entirely, use the routing and account numbers from the new bank. If you are moving the deposit to a different account at the same bank, use that account's number.
Double-check the numbers before you submit them to Social Security. A single digit wrong will send your payment somewhere you cannot access it, and it can take weeks to fix.
Timing: when the change takes effect
Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a schedule tied to payment dates. If you submit your change early in the month, it may take effect on the next payment date (usually the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of the month, depending on your birth date). If you submit it late in the month, it might not take effect until the payment after that.
Some delays happen on the bank's side. If your new bank is small or newly opened, it can take a few extra days for the account to be set up to receive incoming transfers. Ask your bank how long it takes for direct deposits to start working on a new account.
While you are waiting for the change to take effect, your old account will still receive deposits. Once you see the first deposit in your new account, you can stop checking the old one — but do not close the old account when ready in case Social Security sends a late payment there by mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes. You can change your direct deposit as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can update your banking information. Just make sure you give Social Security accurate information each time, because mistakes can delay your payment.
What happens to my payment if I close my old bank account before the change takes effect?
If Social Security tries to deposit to a closed account, the bank will reject the payment and send it back. Social Security will then reissue the payment, but it can take several weeks. To avoid this, wait until you see at least one deposit in your new account before you close the old one.
Do I need to tell my old bank that I am changing my direct deposit?
No. You only need to contact Social Security. Your old bank will automatically reject any future deposits once the account is closed, but you do not need to notify them about the change beforehand. However, do not close the account until the transition is complete.
Can I set up direct deposit to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When you change your direct deposit, you will be asked whether the account is checking or savings. Select the correct type. Social Security can deposit to either one, as long as the account is in your name and the bank accepts incoming direct deposits.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You will need to open one before you can set up direct deposit. Contact a bank or credit union and ask about opening a checking or savings account. Once the account is open and active, you can change your Social Security direct deposit to that account using any of the methods described above.