Where Social Security sends your payment
Social Security deposits your benefit payment directly into a bank account you designate. The agency does not mail checks unless you specifically request it, and direct deposit is the standard method. If you need to change which account receives your payment — because you switched banks, closed an account, or want to use a different one — you can update this information through Social Security's online portal, by phone, or in person at a local office.
The change takes effect within one to three business days if you update before the 10th of the month. If you update after the 10th, the change typically applies to the following month's payment. Social Security will not process a change that leaves you without a valid account, so you must have the new account details ready before you submit the request.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account information online through my Social Security, by calling Social Security's toll-free line at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- You will need your routing number and account number from your new bank, and the account must be in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the owner.
- Changes submitted before the 10th of the month take effect within one to three business days; changes after the 10th explore to the next month's payment.
- If you close your current account without setting up a new one first, your benefit payment will be returned to Social Security and you will need to contact them to reissue it.
Updating your account online through my Social Security
The fastest way to change your bank information is through my Social Security, Social Security's online account portal. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account" or "Sign in" if you already have one. You will verify your identity using your Social Security number, email address, and either a phone number or mailing address on file.
Once you are logged in, select "Manage your benefits" and then look for the option to change your direct deposit information. You will enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. Social Security will ask you to confirm both numbers before the change is submitted. The system will show you a confirmation message with the date the change takes effect.
This method works 24 hours a day and you receive when ready confirmation. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online portal, you have two other options.
Changing your account by phone
Call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your new account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking for information such as your date of birth and mother's maiden name.
The representative will then ask you to provide your new routing and account numbers. They will read the numbers back to you to confirm accuracy before submitting the change. The call typically takes five to ten minutes. You will receive a confirmation number for your records, and the change will take effect within one to three business days if you call before the 10th of the month.
Wait times can be long during peak hours, particularly early in the month. If you reach a busy signal, you can call back later or use the online method instead.
Updating your account in person at a Social Security office
You can visit your local Social Security office to change your bank information. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and documentation from your bank showing your routing number and account number. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices offer limited hours on certain days. You may need to wait, so arriving early in the day or earlier in the week often means shorter lines. A representative will verify your identity and enter your new bank information into the system while you are there. You will receive a written confirmation before you leave.
What information you need from your bank
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union where your account is held. You can find it on the bottom left corner of your checks, or you can call your bank and ask. Most banks also display the routing number on their website in the customer service or help section.
Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account at that bank. It appears on your checks, your bank statements, and in your online banking portal. The account number is usually between 8 and 17 digits long, depending on your bank. Do not include hyphens or spaces when you provide these numbers to Social Security — enter only the digits.
The account must be in your name, or it must be a joint account where you are listed as one of the owners. Social Security will not deposit into an account held solely in someone else's name, even if that person is a family member or caregiver.
What happens if you change banks before updating Social Security
If you close your old bank account before telling Social Security about your new one, your next benefit payment will be returned to Social Security because the old account no longer exists. When this happens, Social Security will hold the payment and send you a letter explaining what occurred. You will then need to contact Social Security to provide your new account information and request that the payment be reissued to the correct account.
This process takes an additional two to three weeks beyond the normal deposit timeline. To avoid this delay, update your bank information with Social Security before you close your old account. If you have already closed the account, contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to provide your new account details and ask them to reissue the payment.
Timing and when changes take effect
Social Security processes changes to bank information on a rolling basis. If you submit your change before the 10th of the month, it will take effect within one to three business days, and your next payment will go to the new account. If you submit after the 10th, the change applies to the following month's payment — your current month's payment will still go to your old account.
For example, if you update your information on the 8th of the month and your benefit normally deposits on the 3rd of the following month, the new account will receive that payment. If you update on the 15th, your next payment will still go to the old account, and the month after that it will go to the new one.
Social Security does not process changes on weekends or federal holidays. If you submit a change on a Friday afternoon, it may not process until Monday, which could affect whether it applies to the current or next month's payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account information if I am not the account holder?
No. The account must be in your name or a joint account where you are listed as an owner. If you need someone else to manage your benefits because of a disability or other reason, you may need to set up a representative payee arrangement with Social Security instead of changing the direct deposit account.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
If you realize the mistake before the payment is processed, contact Social Security when ready and provide the correct information. If the payment has already been sent to the wrong account, contact your bank to see if they can retrieve it. You will also need to contact Social Security to report the error and request that the payment be reissued to the correct account.
Do I need to update my information if I switch to a different branch of the same bank?
No. The routing number identifies the bank itself, not the individual branch. If you are staying with the same bank and keeping the same account, you do not need to contact Social Security. If you opened a new account at the same bank, you will need to provide the new account number.
How long does it take to change my bank information if I call instead of using the online portal?
The phone call itself takes five to ten minutes, and the change takes effect within one to three business days if you call before the 10th of the month. Wait times to reach a representative vary, particularly during peak hours or early in the month when many people are calling.
What happens to my old direct deposit if I do not cancel it?
Once Social Security processes your change to the new account, future payments will go only to the new account. Your old account will not receive any more deposits. You can close the old account once you confirm that at least one payment has reached the new account successfully.