You can change your Social Security deposit account online, by phone, or by mail

Social Security deposits go to whichever bank account you told them about. If you want to move your deposits to a different bank, you have three ways to do it: through your online Social Security account, by calling Social Security directly, or by mailing in a form. The fastest route is usually online if you already have a my Social Security account set up. If you do not, calling takes about 15 minutes and requires only your Social Security number and the new bank details.

You do not need permission from either bank. Social Security handles the change on their end, and your old bank will straightforward stop receiving deposits once the switch goes through. The new deposits usually start within one or two pay cycles — typically one to two weeks, though it can take longer if you make the change near the end of a month.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your deposit account through my Social Security online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by mailing Form SSA-1199-OP4 to your local Social Security office.
  • Have your new bank account number and routing number ready before you start, whether you go online or call.
  • The change takes effect within one to two pay cycles, so your old account will stop receiving deposits and your new one will start.
  • If you do not have a my Social Security account and do not want to call, you can print and mail the form, though this takes longer.

Changing your deposit account online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can make the change yourself without calling or mailing anything. Log in to your account at ssa.gov, go to "Manage Your Benefits," and look for the option to change your direct deposit information. You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number. Both of these appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank and ask for them.

After you enter the new information, Social Security will show you what you typed back to you for confirmation. Read it carefully — a wrong digit in the account number means your deposit goes somewhere else. Once you confirm, the change is recorded when ready, but the actual deposit will not go to the new account until the next payment cycle.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, an email address, and a way to prove your identity — usually a driver's license or state ID number. Creating the account takes about 10 minutes.

Changing your deposit account by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your new bank account number and routing number ready before you call. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by asking questions about your Social Security record, then will ask for the new bank information and read it back to you to make sure it is correct.

The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Social Security is busiest early in the month and on Mondays and Tuesdays, so calling on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon often means a shorter wait. You can also call TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

Changing your deposit account by mail

If you prefer not to go online or call, you can mail Form SSA-1199-OP4 to your local Social Security office. You can read the form from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail it to you. Fill in your new bank account number and routing number, sign it, and mail it to the address on the form.

This route takes longer — usually two to four weeks for Social Security to receive and process the form, plus another one to two weeks for the deposit to reach your new account. If you need the change to happen quickly, calling or using your online account is faster.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you contact Social Security, whether you go online, call, or mail a form:

  • 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
  • Whether the account is a checking or savings account

You can find the routing number and account number on the bottom left of any check from that account. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. Have your account number or ID ready when you call.

Make sure you are giving Social Security the correct account number. A single wrong digit sends your deposit to the wrong place, and it can take days to track down and fix. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm the number before you contact Social Security.

What happens after you request the change

Social Security processes the change when ready if you go online or call. If you mail the form, it takes a few days to a week for them to receive and enter it into their system. Either way, your next deposit will go to the new account — usually within one to two weeks, depending on when in the month you make the change.

Your old bank account will straightforward stop receiving deposits. You do not need to do anything with that account or contact that bank. If you have automatic payments set up from your old account, you will need to change those separately — Social Security changing your deposit does not affect other accounts or payments.

If your deposit does not arrive in your new account within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and confirm that the change went through. Have your new account number ready.

If you do not have a bank account yet

Social Security requires direct deposit — they will not mail you a check. If you do not have a bank account, you will need to open one before you can receive your benefits. Many banks and credit unions offer basic checking accounts with no minimum balance and low or no monthly fees. Some also offer accounts specifically for people new to banking.

Once your account is open, follow the steps above to tell Social Security where to send your deposits. If you are unsure which bank to choose, look for one near your home or work, or ask whether they offer accounts designed for people managing money for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the deposit to show up in my new account?

Usually one to two weeks after you request the change, depending on when in the month you make it. If you request the change early in the month, the deposit might go to your old account one more time before switching to the new one. If you are unsure, call Social Security to confirm the change went through.

What if I give Social Security the wrong account number?

Call 1-800-772-1213 right away and give them the correct number. Social Security can usually fix it before the next deposit goes out. If the deposit already went to the wrong account, contact that bank and explain the mistake — they can often return it to Social Security, who will resend it to the correct account.

Do I need to tell my old bank that I am moving my deposits?

No. Your old bank will straightforward stop receiving deposits once Social Security switches to the new account. You do not need to contact them unless you want to close the account or have other questions about it.

Can I change my deposit account if I am receiving benefits on behalf of someone else?

If you are a representative payee — meaning you receive benefits for someone else — you can change the account, but Social Security may ask additional questions to confirm your authority. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation.

What if I do not have checks to find my routing and account number?

Call your bank's customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number. Have your account number or ID ready when you call.