Yes, you can change your direct deposit for Social Security online through your My Social Security account
The Social Security Administration lets you update your direct deposit information yourself using the My Social Security portal, which you can access from any computer or phone with internet. You do not need to call, visit an office, or mail in forms. The change usually takes effect within one or two business days, though it can take up to a week depending on your bank.
You will need your Social Security number, a password or login method you have already set up, and the bank account information you want to switch to. If you have not created a My Social Security account yet, you can set one up in about 10 minutes using your email address and a few pieces of personal information.
Key Takeaways
- Log into My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount to change your direct deposit without calling or visiting an office.
- You will need your Social Security number and the routing number and account number for your new bank account.
- The change takes effect within one to seven business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
- If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your email and identity information in about 10 minutes.
- You can change your direct deposit as many times as you need, and there is no fee for doing so.
How to log into My Social Security and find the direct deposit section
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your web browser. If you already have a My Social Security account, enter your username and password, or use the sign-in option that works for you — the site accepts passwords, a security key, or a one-time code sent to your phone or email.
Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information." This is usually on the main dashboard or under a menu for account settings. Click on it to see your current direct deposit details and the option to change them.
If you see a message that says you cannot change your direct deposit online, it usually means your account needs extra verification. The site will tell you how to verify your identity — this might involve answering security questions or uploading a photo of your ID. Once verified, you can make the change.
What information you need before you start
Have your new bank account details ready. You will need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of the specific account where you want deposits to go). Both of these appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can call your bank to ask.
If you are switching to a different bank entirely, make sure the account is already open and active before you try to change your direct deposit. The Social Security Administration will not create a new account for you — they will only send money to an account that already exists.
You should also know whether the account is a checking account or a savings account, because the form will ask. If you are unsure, call your bank or log into your online banking to check.
Step-by-step: entering your new bank information
After you click on the direct deposit section, you will see a form with fields for your routing number and account number. Type these in carefully — a single wrong digit will send your payment to the wrong place. Some versions of the form also ask whether the account is checking or savings; select the correct one.
The form may also ask for the name of your bank. If it does, type the full legal name (for example, "Chase Bank" rather than just "Chase"). The site usually offers a dropdown menu of banks, so you can search for yours instead of typing it out.
Review everything before you submit. Make sure the routing number, account number, and account type all match what your bank told you. Once you click submit or confirm, the change is sent to the Social Security Administration's system.
How long the change takes and what to expect
The Social Security Administration typically processes the change within one to two business days. However, your bank may take a few extra days to set up the incoming deposit, so the first payment to your new account might not arrive for up to a week.
During this time, your old account may still receive one more payment if a deposit was already scheduled. This is normal. Once the new account starts receiving deposits, the old one will stop.
You can check the status of your change by logging back into My Social Security and looking at your direct deposit information. The site will show you the account number where your next payment is scheduled to go.
What to do if you cannot change your direct deposit online
If the My Social Security website will not let you make the change, the most common reason is that your account has not been fully verified. The site will usually explain what you need to do — this might mean answering additional security questions, uploading a photo of your ID, or verifying your phone number.
If verification does not solve the problem, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). They are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your routing number and account number ready when you call.
You can also visit a Social Security office in person to change your direct deposit. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your new bank account information.
Changing your direct deposit multiple times and other options
You can change your direct deposit as many times as you need. There is no limit, and there is no fee. Some people change it when they switch banks, close an old account, or want to split their payment between two accounts.
If you want to split your Social Security payment between two different bank accounts, you can do that through My Social Security as well. The form will let you specify how much goes to each account. For example, you could send $500 to your checking account and $800 to your savings account.
If you do not have a bank account and cannot open one, you can receive your Social Security payment on a debit card instead. This is called a Direct Express card, and it works like a prepaid debit card. You can learn about it on the Direct Express website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I enter the wrong account number and my payment goes to the wrong bank?
Contact the Social Security Administration right away at 1-800-772-1213. They can stop the payment and redirect it to the correct account. The sooner you call, the easier it is to fix. Your bank can also help — call them and explain that a payment was deposited to the wrong account by mistake.
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 someone else), you can change the direct deposit through My Social Security if you have access to that person's account. You will need their Social Security number and the ability to verify your identity as the payee. If you cannot do this online, call 1-800-772-1213.
How do I know if my change went through?
Log back into My Social Security and check your direct deposit information. The site will show the account number where your next payment is scheduled. You can also wait for your next payment and confirm it arrived in the new account. If it does not arrive within a week, call your bank to make sure they received the deposit.
What happens to my old direct deposit account after I change it?
Once your new account starts receiving deposits, the old one will stop. You may see one final payment go to the old account if a deposit was already in the system when you made the change. After that, no more Social Security payments will go there.
Can I change my direct deposit on a weekend or holiday?
You can submit the change anytime through My Social Security, but the Social Security Administration processes changes during business hours. If you submit a change on a weekend or holiday, it will be processed the next business day.