Social Security will update your bank account when you submit a form and verify your identity

You can change the bank account where Social Security deposits your benefits by filling out a form called the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (Form SSA-521) and sending it to your local Social Security office, or by updating your information online through your personal my Social Security account. Social Security needs your new bank account number, routing number, and the type of account (checking or savings). The change usually takes one to two pay periods to go into effect, though it can take longer if you submit the form close to your payment date.

You do not need to call Social Security to make this change, and you do not need to visit an office in person unless you prefer to. The online method is faster and requires no paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your bank account is through your my Social Security account online, which takes effect within one to two pay periods.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can print and mail Form SSA-521 to your local Social Security office, or bring it in person.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a blank check or can be found by calling your bank.
  • Social Security will send a letter confirming the change, so keep it as proof in case a deposit goes to the wrong account.
  • If your first deposit to the new account does not arrive on your normal payment date, contact your bank before calling Social Security.

Changing your account online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page by clicking "Create an account." You will need to verify your identity using your Social Security number, email address, and phone number.

Once you are signed in, look for the 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 account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake here means your deposit will go to the wrong place.

After you submit, Social Security will send you a confirmation letter to the address on file. This letter shows your new account information and the date the change takes effect. Keep this letter until you see the first deposit arrive in your new account.

Using Form SSA-521 if you cannot go online

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online account, you can use Form SSA-521 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form). You can read it from ssa.gov, pick it up at your local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for it to be mailed to you.

Fill in the form with your new bank account number, routing number, and account type. You will also need to sign and date it. Mail it to your local Social Security office, or bring it in person. The address for your local office is on the form itself, or you can find it by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.

Mailing the form takes longer than going online — plan for one to three weeks for the change to take effect, depending on when Social Security receives and processes it. If you need the change to happen quickly, visiting the office in person is faster.

Finding your bank's routing number and account number

Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then your account number.

If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement) and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number or debit card ready when you call. The bank will give you both numbers over the phone.

Do not use a check number — Social Security only needs the routing number and account number. If you give the wrong routing number, your deposit will go to a different bank entirely, and you will have to start the process over.

What happens after you submit the change

Social Security will send you a confirmation letter within one week. This letter lists your new account information and tells you when the change takes effect. Your next regular payment should go to the new account on your normal payment date, though it may take one or two pay periods if you submit the form close to a payment date.

Your old account will stop receiving Social Security deposits once the change goes through. If you have other benefits or income going to the old account, those will not be affected — only Social Security payments move to the new account.

If a deposit does not arrive in your new account on the expected date, check with your bank first. Sometimes deposits are delayed by the bank's processing, or the account may have a hold on it. If your bank confirms the deposit never arrived, then contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation letter in hand.

Changing your account if you do not have a my Social Security account

Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. You will also need to verify your identity using information from your credit history or a state ID. Once your account is set up, you can change your bank account information when ready without leaving home.

If you have trouble creating an account or do not want to use one, the paper form method works just as well — it straightforward takes longer. There is no penalty for using the form instead of going online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you change it online through my Social Security, the change usually takes effect within one to two pay periods. If you mail Form SSA-521, allow one to three weeks. If you submit the form very close to your payment date, the change may not take effect until the following month's payment.

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

Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation letter. They can correct the account number and resubmit the change. In the meantime, the deposit may go to the wrong account — contact that bank to see if you can recover it. This is why it is important to verify both numbers before submitting.

Can I change my account more than once?

Yes, you can change your account as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to two pay periods to take effect. If you are switching banks, wait until your first deposit arrives in the new account before closing the old one.

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

No, you do not need to notify your bank. Once you give Social Security your account information, they will deposit your payment automatically. Your bank will accept it without any action on your part.

What if I do not have a bank account yet?

You will need to open a bank account before you can change your Social Security deposit. Once you have an account number and routing number, follow the steps above. If you are new to banking, your local bank or credit union can walk you through opening an account.