You can change your Social Security deposit account online, by phone, or by mail—the fastest route is the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account set up
Social Security deposits go to whichever checking account you told them about when you first signed up for direct deposit. If you want the money to go somewhere else—because you switched banks, closed an account, or want to use a different one—you need to update your banking information with the Social Security Administration. The process takes minutes online or a phone call, but the change itself usually takes one to two business days to take effect.
The timing matters because Social Security deposits on a fixed schedule: the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month depending on your birth date. If you submit a change request after your deposit has already been processed that month, it will go to your old account. The new account receives the next scheduled deposit.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change your account is through my Social Security at ssa.gov if you have already created an account and linked your bank details.
- You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update your information over the phone.
- If you mail in a change request, include a signed letter with your name, Social Security number, the old account details, and the new account details, and send it to your local Social Security office.
- The change takes effect within one to two business days, but if your deposit has already been processed that month, the money will still go to your old account.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your new account number to complete the change through any method.
Changing your account through my Social Security online
If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your deposit account without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov, sign in with your username and password, and look for the "Manage Your Benefits" section. From there, select "Change Direct Deposit Information" or a similar option (the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits).
You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number. Your bank can provide both of these, or you can find the routing number on the American Bankers Association website if you know your bank's name and state. Enter the new information, review it for accuracy, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready on screen, though the actual switch to your new account takes one to two business days.
If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity—usually a driver's license, passport, or state ID number. Once your account is set up and verified, you can change your deposit information right away.
Changing your account by phone
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your new account number ready before you call.
A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or providing personal information. Once verified, they will ask for your new banking details and read them back to you to confirm. The change takes effect within one to two business days. Ask the representative for a confirmation number or reference number so you have a record of the request.
Wait times vary by time of day and season. Early morning or mid-week calls typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Mondays. If you reach a busy signal, try again later rather than waiting on hold for an extended time.
Changing your account by mail
If you prefer to submit your request in writing, send a signed letter to your local Social Security office. Include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, your old account number (if you remember it), and your new bank's routing number and account number. Sign and date the letter.
Find your local office address at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask where to send the request. Mail takes longer than online or phone—typically one to two weeks for the Social Security office to receive and process your letter, plus one to two business days for the change to take effect. If your deposit is scheduled before your letter arrives, the money will go to your old account.
What happens if your old account is closed
If you closed your old account before updating Social Security, your deposit will be rejected by the bank. Social Security will hold the payment and send you a notice explaining what happened. You then have a limited time to provide new banking information or request a check instead.
To avoid this, update your deposit account before you close the old one. If you have already closed it, contact Social Security when ready by phone or through my Social Security to provide new account details. The sooner you do this, the sooner they can reissue your deposit to the correct account.
Timing and when the change takes effect
Social Security deposits follow a schedule based on your birth date: people born on the 1st through the 10th receive deposits on the second Wednesday of the month, those born on the 11th through the 20th receive them on the third Wednesday, and those born on the 21st through the 31st receive them on the fourth Wednesday. If you submit a change request after your deposit has already been processed, it will not affect that month's payment.
For example, if you are born on the 15th (third Wednesday deposit) and you change your account on the 18th, your deposit that month has already been sent to your old account. Your new account will receive the deposit the following month. The change itself processes within one to two business days, but the next scheduled deposit date is what matters for when you actually see the money in your new account.
If you need to change your account again
You can change your deposit account as many times as you need to. Use the same method—online through my Social Security, by phone, or by mail. There is no limit on how often you can make changes, though Social Security may flag unusual patterns (for example, changing your account multiple times in a single week) and contact you to verify the requests are legitimate.
If someone else has access to your Social Security account and is making unauthorized changes, contact Social Security when ready. Call 1-800-772-1213 and report the suspicious activity. You can also file a report with the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov if you believe your account has been compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not know my new bank's routing number?
Call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number. You can also find it on a check from your new account—it is the first set of numbers at the bottom left. The American Bankers Association also maintains a searchable routing number database at routingnumber.aba.org if you know your bank's name and state.
Can I change my account if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or mail a signed request to your local Social Security office. Creating a my Social Security account is optional but makes future changes faster. If you want to set one up, go to ssa.gov and follow the account creation steps.
How long does it take for the change to show up in my new account?
The change processes within one to two business days, but your next deposit will not arrive until your scheduled deposit date. For example, if you change your account on a Friday and your deposit date is the following Wednesday, you will see the money in your new account on that Wednesday.
What if my deposit goes to the wrong account by mistake?
Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. They can trace the payment and work with your bank to recover it or reissue it to the correct account. The sooner you report the error, the faster they can resolve it. Keep records of your old and new account numbers and the date you requested the change.
Can I have my Social Security deposit split between two accounts?
No. Social Security only allows one deposit account per person. You can change which account receives the full deposit, but you cannot split the payment between multiple accounts. If you want to move money to a second account after it arrives, you would need to do that yourself through your bank.