You can change your Social Security deposit account by contacting Social Security directly

Social Security lets you change the bank account where your payments land at any time. You do not need permission from your bank or from Social Security to make the change — you just need to tell Social Security the new account details. The process takes a few minutes on the phone or online, and the change usually takes effect within one or two months.

The reason to change accounts might be straightforward: you switched banks, closed an old account, or want your payment to go somewhere safer. Whatever the reason, Social Security handles this as a routine update, the same way they handle a change of address.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Social Security deposit account by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting ssa.gov, or going to a local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need your Social Security number, the new bank's routing number, and your new account number before you start.
  • The change takes effect within one to two months, so plan ahead if you are closing an old account.
  • If you set up direct deposit for the first time, Social Security may test the account with two small deposits before sending your full payment.

What information you need before you call or go online

Gather these details before you contact Social Security. Having them ready means the call or online session takes just a few minutes.

You will need your Social Security number, which Social Security already has on file but will ask you to confirm. You will also need the routing number of the bank where you want the payment to go. This is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself — not the branch, but the bank as a whole. You can find it on the bottom left of any check from that bank, or you can call the bank and ask.

Finally, you will need your account number at that bank. This is the number that identifies your specific account. It is usually on your checks as well, or you can log into your online banking and find it there. Make sure you have the right account number — if you give Social Security the wrong one, your payment will go to the wrong place.

Changing your account through Social Security's website

The fastest way is usually online at ssa.gov. Go to the website and look for "Change Your Direct Deposit Information" or a similar link in the account or payment section. You will need to log into your my Social Security account — this is a free account you create with your email and a password.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one on the same website. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove who you are — usually a driver's license or passport number. Once you are logged in, the form to change your account details is straightforward: you enter the routing number and account number, and Social Security confirms the change right away.

The online route is open 24 hours a day, and you get a confirmation number when ready. Write down or save that confirmation number in case you need to follow up later.

Changing your account by phone

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

When you reach someone, tell them you want to change your direct deposit account. They will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and may ask a security question or two to make sure you are who you say you are. Then you give them the routing number and account number, and they enter it into the system. The whole call usually takes five to ten minutes.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up, and write it down. If something goes wrong later, that number helps Social Security find your request in their system.

Changing your account in person at a Social Security office

You can also walk into a local Social Security office and ask to update your direct deposit information. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it, a photo ID, and the routing and account numbers written down.

Wait times at offices vary widely — some are quick, others have long lines. Call ahead to your local office to ask about wait times, or check ssa.gov to find the office nearest you and see if they offer appointment scheduling. An appointment is usually faster than walking in.

What happens after you request the change

Social Security processes the change within one to two months. Your next payment after the change goes through will land in the new account. Until then, if you still have the old account open, your payments will continue going there.

If this is the first time you are setting up direct deposit with Social Security, they may send two small test deposits to your new account first — usually less than a dollar each. You do not need to do anything with these test deposits. They are just Social Security's way of confirming the account is real and belongs to you. After those test deposits clear, your regular payment will start going to that account.

If you are switching from one account to another and you are worried about a payment getting lost, contact your old bank and ask them to hold the account open for at least two months after you request the change. That way, if a payment accidentally goes to the old account, you can still access it.

What to do if the change does not go through

If two months have passed and your payment still has not shown up in the new account, call Social Security again at 1-800-772-1213 and have your confirmation number ready. They can look up your request and see what happened.

Sometimes a payment bounces back if the routing number or account number was entered wrong. If that happens, Social Security will try to send it to your old account instead. Check both accounts to see where the payment ended up, then contact Social Security again to correct the account information.

If you closed the old account and a payment goes there, contact that bank right away. Explain that a Social Security payment was deposited to a closed account and ask them to return it to Social Security. Then call Social Security to update your account information again and make sure the next payment goes to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you are a representative payee — meaning you manage Social Security payments 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. They will tell you what you need to do.

What if I want my payment to go to a joint account with someone else?

Social Security will deposit to a joint account as long as you provide the correct routing and account numbers. Both account holders' names do not need to be on the Social Security record — just the account itself needs to exist and be in good standing.

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

Social Security processes the change within one to two months. Your next payment after that period will go to the new account. If you need the change to happen faster, call and explain the urgency — they may be able to prioritize it, though the system still takes time to update.

Can I change my account more than once?

Yes, you can change your account as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can update your direct deposit information. Just follow the same process each time.

What if I do not have a bank account yet?

Social Security requires direct deposit for most new beneficiaries, but if you do not have a bank account, you have other options. You can open a basic checking account at a bank or credit union, or you can ask Social Security about alternative payment methods like a prepaid debit card. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss what works for your situation.