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

Social Security lets you change the bank account or payment method where your benefits land. The fastest route is the my Social Security online account at ssa.gov — you can update your direct deposit information yourself in a few minutes, and the change usually takes effect within one to three business days. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office in person.

Before you start, gather your new bank details: the routing number and account number from the bank or financial institution where you want payments sent. If you are switching to a different type of account — say, from a checking account to a savings account at the same bank — you will still need both numbers. Have your Social Security number handy as well.

Key Takeaways

  • The my Social Security online account at ssa.gov is the fastest way to change your direct deposit, taking effect within one to three business days.
  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number before you start, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to make the change over the phone or in person.
  • Social Security does not charge a fee to change your direct deposit information, and the change does not affect your benefit amount.

Changing direct deposit through my Social Security online

Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your username, password, and a one-time code sent to your email or phone. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a driver's license or passport number).

Once you are logged in, look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or a similar option in the account menu. Click it and enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Social Security will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask the last four digits of your Social Security number again for security. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. You should see a confirmation message on screen, and Social Security will send you an email confirming the change.

The new direct deposit usually starts with your next scheduled payment. If your payment date is coming up in the next few days, the change may not take effect until the payment after that — Social Security processes deposits several days before the actual payment date. You can check your payment schedule by logging back into my Social Security and looking at "Payment History."

Changing direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, the routing number and account number of your new bank, and your account type (checking or savings) ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity — usually by asking for your date of birth or other personal details — then will update your direct deposit information in the system.

Ask the representative to read back the routing number and account number to you before they submit the change, so you can catch any mistakes. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down. The change takes effect within one to three business days, the same as online.

Wait times can be long, especially early in the month when many people call. If you reach a busy signal, try again later or use the online method instead.

Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with your Social Security card (or a document with your number on it), a photo ID, and your new bank's routing number and account number. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to make an appointment first — check the office's page or call ahead.

Bring a blank check from your new account if you have one; the routing and account numbers are printed on it, so you will not have to write them from memory. The office staff will fill out the change form with you and submit it. The change takes effect within one to three business days.

What happens if you make a mistake

If you realize you entered the wrong routing number or account number, log back into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 right away to correct it. Social Security can usually stop the change before it takes effect if you catch it within a day or two. If the payment has already gone to the wrong account, contact your bank — they can often retrieve the deposit and send it to the correct account, though the process varies by bank.

If you are switching banks and your old account is closed before Social Security sends a payment there by mistake, the bank will return the deposit to Social Security. Social Security will then send it to your correct account, but this can add a week or more to the process. Updating your direct deposit a few days before closing an old account helps avoid this.

Changing to a representative payee or third-party account

If someone else manages your benefits — a representative payee, such as a family member or social services agency — they can change your direct deposit. The representative payee logs into their own my Social Security account (which is linked to your benefit) and updates the direct deposit information there. If there is no online account, the representative payee can call or visit an office on your behalf, though they may need to bring a power of attorney or court order depending on the situation.

If you want to set up direct deposit to an account in someone else's name — for example, a joint account with a family member — Social Security will allow it, but the account holder must be present or provide written consent. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Usually one to three business days. If your payment date is within a few days, the change may not take effect until the following month's payment. Check your payment schedule in my Social Security to see when your next payment is due.

Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. You can set up direct deposit to a prepaid card, a credit union account, or certain other financial accounts that accept electronic deposits. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss options if your account type is not standard.

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

No. Social Security does not charge a fee for changing your direct deposit information. If a website or person claims you must pay to change it, that is a scam — contact Social Security directly instead.

What if I want to split my payment between two accounts?

Social Security does not split direct deposits between multiple accounts. You can only have one direct deposit destination at a time. If you need the payment split, you would have to do that yourself after the money arrives in your primary account.

Can I change my direct deposit on weekends or holidays?

Yes, through my Social Security online — the website is available 24/7. Phone lines are closed on weekends and federal holidays. Changes made online on weekends or holidays will be processed when Social Security's systems are next active, usually the next business day.