Social Security needs your current bank details to send your payments

If you receive Social Security benefits — whether retirement, disability, or survivor benefits — the Social Security Administration (SSA) deposits your payment into a bank account you've told them about. When you change checking accounts, you need to tell Social Security your new account number and routing number so your payments keep arriving on time. Without this update, your benefits may go to a closed account or get delayed.

You can make this change through three main routes: online through your personal Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online method is fastest and requires no waiting. Phone and in-person visits take longer but work if you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide your new checking account's routing number and account number to Social Security before your old account closes.
  • The fastest way to update your account is through your personal my Social Security account online at ssa.gov.
  • If you don't have an online account, you can call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make the change by phone.
  • Changes made online or by phone usually take effect within one to three business days, though it can occasionally take longer.
  • Keep your old account open for at least one full payment cycle after making the change to catch any delayed deposits.

Updating your account online through my Social Security

The my Social Security account is a free login portal run by the Social Security Administration. If you already have one, you can change your bank details without calling or visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov, select "Sign in to my Social Security," and log in with your username and password. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one on the same page — you'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or state ID).

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit." Click on it and select the option to change your bank account. You'll enter your new routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your new account number. Social Security will ask you to confirm both numbers before saving the change. The update usually takes effect within one to three business days.

If you're not comfortable entering this information online, or if you run into technical problems, the phone and in-person methods below will work just as well — they straightforward take longer.

Changing your account by phone

Call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number, your current account information, and your new routing and account numbers ready before you call. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning on weekdays, though you may still wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on call volume.

When you reach a representative, tell them you need to update your direct deposit information. They'll verify your identity by asking you questions about your Social Security record — typically your date of birth, mother's maiden name, or recent payment amounts. Once verified, they'll take your new routing and account numbers and confirm them back to you. Ask them to repeat both numbers to make sure they're correct before you hang up.

The representative will tell you when the change takes effect. Write down the date they give you and the name of the person you spoke with, in case you need to follow up.

Updating your account in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into any local Social Security office and ask to update your direct deposit information. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 for the address. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and a document showing your new bank account number and routing number — a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank all work.

In-person visits usually take 30 to 90 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You may be able to make an appointment ahead of time, which can reduce your wait. When you meet with the representative, they'll verify your identity and take down your new account information. Ask them to write down the date the change takes effect before you leave.

What information you need from your new bank

Before you contact Social Security, gather two pieces of information from your new checking account: your routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. The account number is unique to your checking account.

You can find both numbers on a blank check from your new account — the routing number is usually on the left side at the bottom, and the account number is next to it. You can also log into your bank's website or app and look for "account details" or "direct deposit information." If you're not sure which numbers are which, call your bank's customer service line and ask them to confirm your routing number and account number.

Do not give Social Security your debit card number or PIN. They will never ask for these.

Timing: when to close your old account

Social Security deposits benefits on a set schedule — usually the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. After you've updated your account information, wait for at least one full payment cycle (one month) before closing your old checking account. This gives you time to confirm that your payment arrived in the new account and catches any deposits that were delayed or sent to the old account by mistake.

Once you've seen your payment arrive in the new account and you're confident the change went through, you can close the old account. Contact your old bank and ask them to close it. Some banks allow you to do this online or by phone; others require you to visit in person. Ask the bank to hold the account open for a few extra days after your final payment arrives, just in case.

What to do if your payment doesn't arrive on time

If your payment doesn't show up in your new account on the expected date, don't panic — delays happen, especially if the change was made close to your payment date. Wait two to three business days past your normal payment date. If the money still hasn't arrived, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them your payment is missing. Have your Social Security number and both your old and new account numbers ready.

The representative will look up your account and tell you where your payment went. If it went to your old account, they can usually arrange for it to be transferred to your new account, though this may take a few extra days. If the payment was never sent, they can investigate why and reissue it. Keep your old account open until this is resolved so you can receive the payment if it arrives there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account information if I'm not the one who set up direct deposit?

Yes. As long as you're the person receiving the benefits, you can update the account information. Social Security will verify your identity before making any changes. If someone else set up your direct deposit and you don't have access to your my Social Security account, calling or visiting an office in person is your best option.

What if I'm changing banks and my new bank hasn't issued me an account number yet?

Wait until your new account is fully open and you have your account number before contacting Social Security. This usually takes one to three business days after you open the account. Your bank can give you a temporary account number or a letter confirming your account details if you need to contact Social Security before your debit card arrives.

Do I need to tell Social Security if I'm just switching checking accounts at the same bank?

Only if your account number changes. If your bank is closing your old account and opening a new one with a different account number, you must update Social Security with the new number. If the bank is straightforward converting your account type but keeping the same account number, you don't need to contact them — but call your bank to confirm the number isn't changing.

How long does it take for the change to go into effect?

Changes made online or by phone usually take effect within one to three business days. Changes made in person at an office may take slightly longer. The representative will tell you the expected date when you make the change. Your next payment should go to the new account, but allow one full payment cycle to confirm it arrived before closing your old account.

What if I made a mistake and gave Social Security the wrong account number?

Contact Social Security right away using any of the three methods above — online, by phone, or in person. Tell them you need to correct your account information. They'll update it to the correct number. If a payment was already sent to the wrong account, Social Security can help you recover it, though it may take extra time.