You can change your bank account by contacting Social Security directly, either online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office
Social Security needs your current bank details to deposit your monthly payment. If you want to switch to a different bank account—whether because you changed banks, closed an account, or want to move to a different institution—you have three main routes: update it yourself online if you have a my Social Security account, call Social Security's toll-free number, or visit a local Social Security office in person. The change usually takes effect within one to two months, so plan ahead if your current account is closing.
The process itself is straightforward and costs nothing. Social Security does not charge a fee to change your account information, and neither do banks. What matters is that you initiate the change before your current account closes or becomes unusable, because if a payment tries to deposit and fails, it can take weeks to sort out and receive your money.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- The change typically takes effect within one to two months, so request it before your current account closes if possible.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your new account number to complete the change.
- If a payment fails to deposit because your account information is outdated, contact Social Security when ready to prevent further delays.
- Social Security will not charge you to change your account, and your bank should not either.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
If you have a my Social Security account set up, you can change your bank details without calling or visiting an office. Log in to your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, go to the "Payment Information" section, and select the option to change your direct deposit details. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Social Security will verify the information, and the change will be queued for processing.
This method is the fastest and leaves a record of when you made the change. The update typically shows in Social Security's system within a few business days, though the actual deposit may not hit your new account until your next scheduled payment date. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. You will need to verify your identity, which usually takes a few minutes.
Changing your account by phone
Call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing callers). Have your new bank's routing number and your new account number ready before you call. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and other personal details, then will update your account information in their system.
Phone lines are typically busiest early in the month and on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you call during off-peak times—late morning or afternoon on Wednesday through Friday—you may reach someone faster. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are connected. Ask the representative to confirm the new account number back to you before you hang up, so you know the information was entered correctly.
Changing your account in person at a local office
You can walk into any Social Security office and request a change to your direct deposit information. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. The staff member will ask for your new routing number and account number, update your file, and give you a receipt showing the change was submitted.
In-person visits can be faster than phone calls during busy periods, because you do not have to wait in a phone queue. However, local offices have their own wait times, which vary by location and time of day. Call ahead to your nearest office (find it at ssa.gov/locator) to ask about current wait times, or visit early in the morning when offices typically have shorter lines.
What information you need from your new bank
Before you contact Social Security, gather two pieces of information from your new bank: the routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. The account number is unique to your individual account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your online banking portal or calling your bank's customer service line.
Do not confuse the routing number with the bank's main phone number or your card number. If you are unsure which number is which, call your bank and ask them to read both numbers to you. Having the correct numbers prevents delays and avoids the frustration of Social Security trying to deposit to the wrong account.
Timing: when the change takes effect
Social Security processes account changes in batches, typically once or twice a month. If you submit your change early in the month, it may take effect by the next payment cycle. If you submit it late in the month, it could take until the following month's payment. The safest assumption is one to two months from the date you request the change.
If your current account is closing on a specific date, submit your change at least 30 days before that date. This buffer gives Social Security time to process the change and ensures your next payment goes to the correct account. If you are cutting it close and your current account closes before the change takes effect, contact Social Security when ready to explain the situation—they can sometimes expedite the process or arrange for your payment to be reissued.
What happens if a payment fails to deposit
If Social Security tries to deposit your payment to an account that no longer exists or has incorrect information, the deposit will be rejected. Your bank will return the funds to Social Security, and Social Security will hold the money while they investigate. This process can take two to four weeks, and you will not receive your payment during that time.
If this happens, contact Social Security as soon as you realize a payment did not arrive. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain that your deposit failed. Have your correct bank information ready. Social Security can reissue the payment to your correct account once they confirm the new details. To avoid this situation, always update your account information before your current account closes, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a bank account change to go into effect?
Social Security typically processes account changes within one to two months. The exact timing depends on when you submit the change and when Social Security's next batch processing occurs. Your next payment after the change is processed will go to your new account.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security will be depositing to my new account?
No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Once Social Security has your new routing number and account number, they can deposit directly. Your bank will recognize the deposit as a Social Security payment and post it to your account automatically.
What if I made a mistake entering my new account number?
Contact Social Security when ready using any of the three methods—online, phone, or in person—and provide the correct account number. The sooner you correct it, the less likely a payment will be sent to the wrong account. If a payment has already been deposited to the wrong account, call your bank to ask them to return it.
Can I change my account information if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can change your account by phone or in person without a my Social Security account. However, creating an account takes only a few minutes and gives you the ability to update your information anytime without waiting for office hours or phone lines.
Will Social Security charge me a fee to change my bank account?
No. Social Security does not charge any fee to update your direct deposit information. Your bank should not charge you either. If anyone claims to charge you for this change, they are not legitimate.