You can change your Social Security direct deposit account through the Social Security Administration's website, by phone, or in person at a local office
Social Security lets you change the bank account where your benefits land. You do not need permission from your bank or Social Security to make the switch. The process takes a few minutes online, or you can call or visit an office if you prefer to do it that way. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days, though Social Security recommends allowing up to a week to be safe.
The reason you might change accounts is straightforward: you closed the old account, switched banks, or want your benefits going somewhere else. Whatever the reason, Social Security has three ways to let you do it, and the online route is fastest if you have a my Social Security account set up.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit account online through my Social Security, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
- The change usually takes effect within one to three business days, so plan ahead if you are closing the old account.
- If you do not have online access or prefer not to use it, calling Social Security is faster than visiting an office, which may require an appointment.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
The fastest way is through the my Social Security website. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address and Social Security number.
Once you are logged in, look for the "Manage Your Benefits" section and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You will see your current bank details. Enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number, then confirm the change. Social Security will show you what you entered before you submit it, so you can catch any typos.
The system accepts the change when ready, and your next payment should go to the new account within one to three business days. If your payment date is coming up very soon—within the next few days—the change might not take effect in time, and one payment could still go to the old account. That is why Social Security suggests making the change at least a week before you close an old account.
Changing your account by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can reach them 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 verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and other personal details. They will confirm your current direct deposit information, then ask for the new routing and account numbers. They will read back what you gave them to make sure it is correct. The change takes effect the same way as online—usually within one to three business days.
Wait times can be long, especially early in the month when many people call. If you reach a busy signal, try again later or use the online method instead.
Changing your account in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into a local Social Security office with your ID and ask to update your direct deposit. Bring your new bank's routing number and account number with you. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
Many offices now require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office's page online to see if you need one. If you do not have an appointment, you may wait a long time or be turned away. Processing times are the same as online or phone—one to three business days.
What information you need before you start
Have these details ready no matter which method you use:
- Your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank)
- Your new account number (the number of the specific account where you want deposits to go)
- Your Social Security number
- A valid ID if you are going in person
You can find your routing number and account number on a check from your new account. The routing number is usually the first nine digits at the bottom left of the check, and the account number follows it. If you do not have a check, call your bank and ask for both numbers. Banks give out this information freely—it is not sensitive.
Make sure you are entering the account number for the account where you want the money to go, not some other account at the same bank. If you enter the wrong account number, your payments will go to the wrong place, and you will have to contact your bank to recover them.
What happens if you close your old account before the change takes effect
If you close the old account before your next payment arrives at the new one, the payment may bounce back to Social Security. This creates a delay. Social Security will try to reissue the payment to your new account, but it can take two to four weeks for the money to reach you.
To avoid this, do not close the old account until at least one payment has successfully landed in the new account. Once you see the deposit hit the new account, you can safely close the old one.
If something goes wrong
If a payment goes to the wrong account or does not arrive when you expected it, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Have your account numbers and the date you made the change ready to discuss.
If the money went to an account you no longer control, you will need to contact that bank to ask them to return it. Social Security can help you trace where the payment went, but the bank that received it has to send it back. This process is slower than getting it right the first time, which is why double-checking your account number before you submit the change matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the change to show up?
Usually one to three business days. Social Security recommends waiting a full week before closing your old account, just in case. If your payment date is within the next few days, the change might not take effect in time for that payment.
Can I change my account if I receive benefits through a representative payee?
No. If someone else is authorized to manage your benefits as your representative payee, they have to make the change, not you. Contact Social Security to confirm who your payee is if you are not sure.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 or through my Social Security to correct it. If a payment has already gone to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to ask them to return it, which can take several weeks.
Do I need to tell my bank I am receiving Social Security deposits?
No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Social Security will send the deposit to the routing and account numbers you provide, and your bank will process it like any other electronic transfer.
Can I split my Social Security payment between two accounts?
No. Social Security only allows one bank account per person. If you want to move money between accounts after it arrives, you will have to do that yourself through your bank.