You can change your bank account with Social Security by contacting them directly—no visit required
Social Security will deposit your benefits to whatever bank account you tell them to use. If you want to switch banks, close an account, or update your routing and account numbers, you contact Social Security and provide the new information. The process takes a few minutes on the phone or online, and the change usually takes effect within one to two pay cycles—typically your next deposit or the one after.
You do not need to visit a Social Security office. You do not need to file paperwork in the mail unless you prefer that route. The fastest way is a phone call to Social Security's main line or through your personal account on their website.
Key Takeaways
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and tell them your new bank details—they can update your account on the spot.
- You can also log into your my Social Security account online and change your direct deposit information yourself without waiting for a representative.
- The change takes effect within one to two pay cycles, so plan ahead if you are closing an old account.
- Have your new bank's routing number and your new account number ready before you call or log in.
- If you do not have online access or prefer mail, you can send a signed letter with your new information to your local Social Security office.
Calling Social Security to update your bank account
Call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number and your new bank information ready. Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account.
The representative will ask for your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. You can find both on a blank check, or call your bank and ask. The representative will read the numbers back to you to confirm they are correct. The change is recorded when ready.
If you use a relay service or have hearing difficulties, call the TTY number: 1-800-325-0778. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week.
Updating your account online through my Social Security
If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your direct deposit information yourself without calling. Go to ssa.gov, sign in with your username and password, and look for "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information" in your account dashboard.
Click the option to change your direct deposit account. Enter your new routing number and account number, then review the information for accuracy before you submit. The system will confirm the change when ready. You will receive a confirmation email.
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, an email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a credit card or bank account).
Sending your bank information by mail
If you prefer not to call or use the website, you can mail a signed letter to your local Social Security office. Write a brief letter that includes your name, Social Security number, the date, and your new routing and account numbers. Sign and date the letter.
Find your local office address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Mail takes longer than a phone call—expect one to two weeks for Social Security to receive and process your request, plus another one to two pay cycles for the change to take effect. Plan ahead if you are closing your old account.
What happens during the transition between accounts
Social Security processes deposits on a set schedule based on your birth date. If you change your account information mid-month, your next deposit will go to whichever account is on file at the time Social Security processes that payment—usually three to five business days before the deposit date.
If you are worried about missing a deposit, contact your old bank and ask them to hold the account open for a few weeks after you close it. Some banks will forward deposits that arrive after closure, but this is not may provide. Alternatively, wait until after your first deposit hits the new account before you close the old one.
If a deposit goes to the wrong account by mistake, contact Social Security when ready. They can reissue the payment to the correct account, though this may take a few extra days.
Changing your account if you no longer have direct deposit
If you currently receive a paper check and want to switch to direct deposit, call Social Security or log into your my Social Security account and select the option to set up direct deposit. You will need your new bank's routing and account numbers. The change takes effect within one to two pay cycles.
If you want to stop direct deposit and return to paper checks, you can make that change the same way. Social Security will mail you a check instead of depositing to your account. Paper checks arrive by mail and take longer than direct deposit, so only switch if you have a specific reason.
If your bank account information is incorrect or you spot fraud
If you notice a deposit went to an account you did not authorize, or if you see unauthorized transactions, contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213. Tell them your account was compromised and ask them to stop deposits to that account when ready.
Then contact your bank's fraud department and report the unauthorized access. Your bank can freeze the account and investigate. Social Security can reissue your payment to a new account once you provide the correct information.
If you suspect someone else changed your direct deposit information without your permission, this is a sign your my Social Security account may have been hacked. Change your password when ready, and contact Social Security to confirm what account is currently on file for your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a bank account change to go into effect?
Usually one to two pay cycles. Social Security processes deposits on a schedule based on your birth date, so the timing depends on when your next scheduled payment is. If you change your account early in the month, the change may take effect on your very next deposit. If you change it late in the month, it might not take effect until the following month's payment.
What if I do not know my new bank's routing number?
Call your bank and ask for the routing number. You can also find it on a blank check in the bottom left corner, or look it up on your bank's website. Have this number ready before you call Social Security.
Can I change my bank account on the phone without a my Social Security account?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will update your account over the phone. You do not need an online account to make this change.
What if my old bank account closes before my deposit arrives?
Contact your bank before you close the account and ask if they will forward deposits that arrive after closure. Some banks do this automatically for a short period; others do not. If your bank will not forward it, contact Social Security and ask them to reissue the payment to your new account.
Can someone else change my bank account information?
Only if they have access to your my Social Security account or can convince a Social Security representative that they are you. Protect your password and do not share your Social Security number with people you do not trust. If you think someone changed your account without permission, change your password and call Social Security when ready.