You change your Social Security bank account through the Social Security Administration, not your bank

When you need to move your Social Security payments to a different bank account, you contact the Social Security Administration directly—your bank cannot make this change for you. The SSA holds the instruction for where your money goes, and only they can update it. You have three ways to do this: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The change typically takes effect within one to two pay periods. Social Security deposits on the 3rd, 4th, or 12th of each month depending on your birth date, so timing matters if you are switching accounts. If you change your account information close to a deposit date, that payment may still go to your old account, and you will need to contact your old bank to retrieve it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must change your bank account information with the Social Security Administration, not with your bank.
  • The fastest method is online through my Social Security if you have an account set up; phone and in-person visits take longer but do not require a password.
  • Changes take one to two pay periods to process, so payments made when ready after your request may still go to your old account.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number to complete the change.
  • If your old bank account is closed, contact the SSA when ready to prevent your payment from being returned.

Changing your account online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your bank information without calling or visiting an office. Log in to your account at ssa.gov, go to the "Manage Your Benefits" section, and look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or "Direct Deposit." You will enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code your bank provides) and your account number.

The SSA will verify the information you enter. Some banks require the SSA to send a test deposit to your new account first—this is a small amount, usually under one dollar, that appears within a few business days. Once verified, your next scheduled payment will go to the new account. If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and identity verification.

Changing your account by phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready. A representative will update your information over the phone and confirm the change before ending the call.

Phone lines are typically busiest early in the month and on Mondays. If you call later in the month or mid-week, you may reach someone faster. The SSA does not charge for this service. After the call, you should receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.

Changing your account in person at a Social Security office

You can visit your local Social Security office with your new bank information and request the change face-to-face. Bring a document showing your new bank account details—a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank with the routing and account numbers. You will need to show identification (a driver's license, passport, or state ID).

Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded mid-morning on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at ssa.gov/locator.

What happens if you change your account close to a payment date

Social Security payments are scheduled for the 3rd, 4th, or 12th of each month based on your birth date. If you request a change fewer than three business days before your scheduled payment, that deposit will likely still go to your old account. You will need to contact your old bank and ask them to return the funds or transfer them to your new account.

Once the payment reaches your old bank, it becomes their responsibility. Some banks will transfer the money automatically if you ask; others require you to withdraw it and deposit it yourself into the new account. Call your old bank's customer service line as soon as you realize the payment went to the wrong place.

If your old bank account is closed or no longer active

If the SSA sends a payment to a closed account, the bank will return it to the SSA. The SSA will then attempt to reissue the payment to your new account, but this process can take several weeks. During this time, you will not have access to that month's payment.

To avoid this delay, contact the SSA before closing an old account if you know Social Security payments are still going there. Call 1-800-772-1213 and request an when ready change. If you have already closed the account, call the SSA right away to report it and provide your new account information. The sooner you notify them, the sooner they can redirect your next payment.

Getting your routing number and account number

Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can find it on the bottom left of any check you have from that account, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for it. Most banks also display it in their online banking portal under account details or settings.

Your account number is the number of the specific account where you want deposits to go. This is also on your checks (usually the second set of numbers on the bottom) and in your online banking portal. Make sure you are giving the SSA the account number for the account you actually want to use—if you have multiple accounts at the same bank, using the wrong number will send your payment to the wrong place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the change to go into effect?

One to two pay periods, which means one to two months depending on when you make the change. If you change your account on the 10th and your payment date is the 12th, that payment will likely still go to your old account. The change usually takes effect with the next scheduled payment after the processing window closes.

Can I change my account information if I receive both Social Security and SSI?

Yes, but you may need to update both separately. Social Security retirement and disability payments use one system; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) uses another. Call 1-800-772-1213 and confirm with the representative that both your Social Security and SSI payments are set to go to your new account.

What if I entered the wrong routing or account number?

Contact the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to correct it. If a payment has already been sent to the wrong account, your bank may be able to retrieve it, but the sooner you report the error, the better. Do not wait until the next payment cycle.

Do I need to notify my new bank that Social Security payments are coming?

No. Once the SSA sends the payment, your new bank will deposit it automatically. You do not need to do anything on the bank's side. The payment will appear in your account within one to two business days of the scheduled deposit date.

Can I change my account if I have a representative payee?

If someone else manages your Social Security benefits as your representative payee, they must request the change, not you. The payee can call the SSA, visit an office, or use my Social Security if they have access to your account. Contact your payee and ask them to make the update.