You can link your checking account to Social Security in about 15 minutes online or by phone
Social Security needs your bank account information so they can deposit your monthly benefit directly into your checking account instead of sending a paper check. This is called direct deposit. You provide your account number and routing number — the nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank — and Social Security stores that information in their system. Once it's set up, your benefit arrives automatically on the same day each month.
You have three ways to add your account: through your personal my Social Security account online, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The online method is fastest if you have your bank information handy and a computer or phone with internet access.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your bank's routing number and your checking account number, both found on the bottom left of your checks or available from your bank by phone.
- The my Social Security website lets you add your account yourself without waiting on hold, and the change takes effect within one or two business days.
- If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) connects you to a representative who can add the account over the phone.
- Social Security will send a test deposit of two small amounts to your account first, and you must report those amounts back to confirm the account is yours.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check from your checking account. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website — and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account PIN or answers to security questions ready, because the bank will verify your identity before giving you this information.
Write down both numbers before you start the process of adding your account to Social Security. You will need them whether you go online, call, or visit an office.
Adding your account through my Social Security online
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one on that same page — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a password you create yourself.
Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information." Click on it and select the option to add or change your direct deposit account. Enter your routing number, account number, and the type of account (checking or savings). Social Security will ask you to confirm these numbers before saving them.
After you submit, Social Security will send two small test deposits to your checking account within one to two business days — usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. Check your account online or wait for your bank statement, find those two amounts, and return to my Social Security to report them. This step confirms that the account belongs to you and is set up correctly. Once you report the amounts, your regular benefit will start depositing to that account.
Adding your account by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. You will be placed on hold and connected to a representative. Have your routing number and account number ready when they pick up.
Tell the representative you want to set up direct deposit for your Social Security benefit. They will ask you to confirm your identity by providing your Social Security number and answering security questions about your personal history. Once verified, they will enter your routing number and account number into the system. The representative will read the numbers back to you to make sure they are correct before finalizing the change.
Like the online method, you will receive two test deposits within one to two business days. The representative will explain how to report those amounts — you can call back and speak to another representative, or you can report them through my Social Security online if you have an account.
Adding your account in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a document showing your routing number and account number — a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank all work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times.
Tell the staff member at the front desk that you want to set up direct deposit. They will take you to a representative who will enter your information into the system and give you a receipt showing what was submitted. You will still receive the two test deposits and will need to report those amounts to confirm the account, either by phone or online.
What happens if you report the test deposits incorrectly
If you report the wrong amounts or do not report them within a certain time frame, Social Security will not complete the direct deposit setup. Your benefit will continue to be sent by check instead. If this happens, you can try the process again — straightforward go back to my Social Security, call, or visit an office and provide your account information a second time. You will receive another set of test deposits and another chance to report the correct amounts.
If you are unsure of the amounts, check your bank account online or call your bank's customer service line and ask them to tell you the two deposits that came in. Write down the exact amounts and report them as soon as you have them.
Changing or removing your account later
If you need to change your account — for example, if you switch banks or close your current checking account — you can update it the same way you added it: through my Social Security online, by phone, or in person. straightforward provide your new routing number and account number, and Social Security will process the change. The new account will start receiving deposits within one to two business days of the change being confirmed.
If you want to stop using direct deposit and receive a paper check instead, you can also make that change through any of the three methods. Tell Social Security you want to cancel direct deposit, and they will switch you back to mailed checks. Your next benefit will arrive by mail instead of by deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my benefit to start depositing after I add my account?
Once you report the correct test deposit amounts, your regular benefit will start depositing within one to two business days. If you add your account early in the month, your next scheduled benefit payment will go to the new account. If you add it late in the month, you might receive one more check in the mail before the deposits begin.
What if I do not have a checking account yet?
You will need to open a checking account at a bank or credit union before you can set up direct deposit. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open and you have your routing and account numbers, you can follow the steps above to link it to Social Security.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, Social Security accepts both checking and savings accounts for direct deposit. When you enter your information online or by phone, you will be asked to specify which type of account it is. Choose "savings" if that is what you have.
What if I entered the wrong routing number or account number?
If you realize you made a mistake before the test deposits arrive, contact Social Security right away through my Social Security, by phone, or in person and ask them to correct it. If the test deposits already went to the wrong account, you can still update your information — Social Security will send new test deposits to the correct account, and you can report those amounts instead.
Do I have to use direct deposit, or can I keep getting paper checks?
Social Security strongly encourages direct deposit because it is faster and more find, but you are not required to use it. You can continue receiving paper checks if you prefer. However, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to regular Social Security benefits, SSI requires direct deposit — you cannot receive SSI by check.