You need to contact Social Security directly to change the bank account where your benefits are deposited

Social Security does not automatically update your bank account when you change banks or open a new account. You have to tell them yourself, and there are three ways to do it: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you already have an account set up. If you do not, the phone line is usually the quickest route.

The change typically takes effect within one or two pay cycles, though Social Security says to allow up to two weeks to be safe. If you are switching banks because your old account is closing, contact your bank first to find out their important date — you want the change submitted to Social Security before your old account shuts down, not after.

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 usually takes one to two pay cycles, so submit it at least two weeks before your old account closes if you are switching banks.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your new account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • If you receive benefits under a different name than your bank account is registered under, Social Security may ask for proof that both names belong to you.

Changing your account online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file).

Once you are 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 will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Do not guess at these — call your bank or look at a blank check if you have one. The routing number is usually the first nine digits on the bottom left; the account number follows it.

After you submit the change, you should see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security will send you an email confirming the update as well. Keep that email for your records.

Changing your account by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call.

A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly your mother's maiden name or other personal details. They will then ask for your new routing number and account number, and they may ask why you are changing accounts (you do not have to give a detailed reason — "I switched banks" is enough).

The representative will read back the information to confirm it is correct before submitting the change. Ask them for a confirmation number and write it down. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles.

Changing your account in person at a Social Security office

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. You can search by zip code or city. Call ahead to ask about wait times — many offices are busy in the morning and early afternoon.

Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You will also need your new bank's routing number and account number. A representative will update your information on the spot, and you will receive a written confirmation before you leave.

What happens if your old account closes before the change takes effect

If your bank closes your old account before Social Security deposits your next payment there, the deposit will be rejected and returned to Social Security. This can delay your payment by several weeks while Social Security processes the returned deposit and reissues it to your new account.

To avoid this, submit your change at least two weeks before your old account closes. If you are cutting it close, call your bank and ask them to hold the account open a few extra days after the official closure date, or ask Social Security to expedite the change (they cannot always do this, but it is worth asking).

If your payment does get rejected and delayed, contact Social Security to ask about the status. You can also ask them to issue a replacement payment to your new account once the change has been processed.

If your name on your bank account does not match your Social Security record

Social Security requires that the name on your bank account match the name on your Social Security record. If you recently changed your name, got married, or use a different name for banking, you may need to update your name with Social Security first.

To change your name with Social Security, visit your local office with a photo ID and a document that shows your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You can also mail the documents to your local office. Once your name is updated in Social Security's system, you can then change your bank account information.

If your bank account is registered under a slightly different version of your name (for example, "Robert" instead of "Bob"), call Social Security first to ask whether they will accept the account. Some banks and Social Security offices are flexible about minor variations, but it is better to check than to have a deposit rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the change to show up?

Social Security says to allow up to two weeks, though most changes take effect within one or two pay cycles. Your next payment should go to the new account, but if you are close to a payment date when you submit the change, it may still go to the old account. Check your new account a few days after your normal payment date to confirm the deposit arrived.

Can I change my account if I am not the one receiving the benefits?

No. Only the person receiving the benefits can change the bank account information, or someone with power of attorney on file with Social Security. If you are managing someone else's benefits, you will need to have a power of attorney document and bring it to a Social Security office, or contact them by phone with the document number.

What if I do not know my bank's routing number?

Call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. You can also look at a blank check if you have one; the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left. Some banks also let you find this information in their mobile app under account details.

Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security will be depositing to my new account?

No. Once you give Social Security your new routing number and account number, the deposit will go through automatically. Your bank does not need advance notice. However, if you are switching to a completely new bank, make sure the account is open and active before you submit the change to Social Security.

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. The sooner you correct it, the sooner your payment can go to the right account. If a payment was already sent to the wrong account, Social Security can help you trace it and reissue it to the correct account, but this takes longer than fixing the information before the payment is sent.