Where Social Security sends your payment depends on the bank details they have on file

Social Security holds your banking information in their records and uses it to deposit your monthly benefit directly into your account. If you change banks, close an account, or need to correct information Social Security has, you will need to update it with them directly. The process is straightforward, but the method you use depends on whether you want to make the change yourself or have someone else do it for you.

Social Security does not automatically detect when you switch banks. If you do not update your information and your old account is closed, your benefit payment will be returned to Social Security, and you will face a delay in receiving it—sometimes weeks. Updating your banking details now prevents that problem.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your bank account information online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Social Security needs your routing number and account number, and they will verify the account is in your name before processing the change.
  • Changes made online or by phone typically take effect within one to three business days, though the next payment may still go to your old account if the timing overlaps.
  • If someone else manages your benefits, they can update your banking information only if they have a power of attorney or are your representative payee.
  • If your payment is returned because your account was closed, contact Social Security when ready to have the funds reissued.

Updating your banking information online through my Social Security

The fastest way to change your bank details is through your personal my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration website. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one, which requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Once you are logged in, look for the "Manage Your Representative Payee" or "Change Your Direct Deposit" option in the account settings—the exact label varies depending on your account type.

When you enter your new banking information, Social Security will ask for your routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. Double-check both before submitting. Social Security will then verify that the account is in your name. If the account is not in your name, the change will be rejected, and you will need to use a different account or contact Social Security by phone to discuss your options.

Once your change is submitted, you should see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security typically processes online changes within one to three business days. However, if your next payment is scheduled to process before the change takes effect, it may still go to your old account. Plan your update at least a week before you close an old account to avoid this overlap.

Changing your bank information by phone or in person

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your routing number and account number ready when you call. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and other personal details, then update your banking information in their system.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person to update your banking details. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. The office staff will verify your identity and process the change on the spot. In-person changes are processed when ready, though the change may not appear in the payment system for one to three business days.

Phone and in-person changes are processed the same way as online changes—Social Security verifies the account is in your name before confirming the update. If there is a problem with the account information, the representative will tell you right away and explain what needs to be corrected.

What happens if someone else manages your Social Security account

If you have a representative payee (someone appointed by Social Security to manage your benefits because you are unable to do so yourself), that person can update your banking information, but only if they have the proper authorization. A representative payee can make changes by calling Social Security or visiting an office in person using the same process described above. They will need to provide their own identification and your Social Security number.

If someone has a power of attorney for you, they may also be able to update your banking information, but Social Security will need to see the power of attorney document. Call ahead to your local office or the main line to confirm what documents they need before you visit.

If you are unsure whether someone has the authority to change your banking information on your behalf, contact Social Security directly. They can tell you who is authorized to make changes to your account and what documentation is required.

Timing and what to expect after you make the change

Social Security processes banking information changes within one to three business days of receiving them. This means if you update your information on a Monday, the change should be in their system by Wednesday. However, your next monthly benefit payment may already be scheduled to process before the change takes effect, depending on when your payment date falls.

Social Security benefit payments are issued on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. If you update your banking information after your payment has already been sent, it will go to your old account. Plan your change for at least a week before your payment date to be safe. If you are unsure when your next payment is scheduled, check your my Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213.

Once the change is processed, all future payments will go to your new account. You do not need to do anything else or contact Social Security again unless you need to make another change.

What to do if your payment goes to a closed account

If you closed your old bank account before updating Social Security, your benefit payment will be returned to Social Security as undeliverable. When this happens, Social Security will hold the funds and send you a notice explaining what occurred. The notice will include instructions for what to do next.

Contact Social Security when ready if you receive this notice. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Provide them with your new banking information, and they will reissue your payment to the new account. Reissued payments typically take five to ten business days to arrive, depending on your bank. In the meantime, update your banking information in their system so future payments are not affected.

If you do not receive a notice but suspect your payment was returned, check your bank account to confirm the deposit did not arrive. Then contact Social Security to ask whether your payment was returned. Do not wait—the sooner you report the problem, the sooner Social Security can reissue your funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank information if I do not have a my Social Security account?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both methods allow you to update your banking information without needing an online account. Creating a my Social Security account is optional but makes future changes faster.

What if my new bank account is not in my name?

Social Security requires the account to be in your name. If you need to use a joint account or an account in someone else's name, contact Social Security by phone or in person to discuss your options. They may be able to work with you depending on your situation, but the account must be linked to you in some way.

How long does it take for my payment to go to the new account after I update my information?

Social Security processes the change within one to three business days, but your next payment may still go to your old account if it is already scheduled. Plan your update at least a week before your payment date. All payments after that will go to your new account.

Do I need to bring any documents to update my information in person?

Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Social Security will verify your identity using these documents before processing your change. If you do not have your card, a photo ID alone is usually sufficient.

What if I made a mistake when I entered my routing or account number?

Contact Social Security right away to correct it. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. The sooner you report the error, the sooner they can fix it and prevent your payment from going to the wrong account. Do not wait until your next payment date.