You can change your Social Security deposit account through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local office

Social Security will deposit your payment into whichever checking or savings account you tell them to use. If you want to switch to a different bank, move to a new account at the same bank, or change account types, you control that change — you do not need permission from your bank or from Social Security to make the switch. The process takes about five minutes online or a phone call, and the change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles.

You have three ways to make the change: through your personal my Social Security account online, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. Online is fastest if you already have your account set up. By phone takes longer because you will be in a queue, but you do not need to remember a password. In person works if you prefer to hand over documents or if you have questions a representative can answer on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Social Security deposit account at any time through the my Social Security website, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching banks and need to close an old account.
  • You will need your new account number and routing number ready before you start, whether you change online or by phone.
  • Social Security will send a test deposit of one or two cents to your new account first; you do not need to do anything with it, but it confirms the account is real.

Changing your account online through my Social Security

The fastest route is the my Social Security website if you already have an account set up. Go to ssa.gov, click "Sign In" at the top right, and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address.

Once you are logged in, look for "Manage Your Benefits" or a similar option in the menu. Find the section for payment information or direct deposit. You will see your current account listed. Click the option to change or update your account, and enter your new account number and routing number. Your bank can give you both numbers — they are on the bottom left of any check you write, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for them.

After you submit the change, Social Security will send a test deposit of one or two cents to your new account within a few days. This is normal and confirms the account exists and is in your name. You do not need to do anything with the test deposit — Social Security will count it as confirmation and start sending your regular payment there.

Changing your account by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You will reach an automated system first; follow the prompts to speak to a representative. Wait times vary by time of day and season, but calling early in the morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait than calling on a Monday or Friday afternoon.

When you reach a representative, tell them you want to change your direct deposit account. They will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number to confirm your identity. Then they will ask for your new account number and routing number. Have both ready before you call — your bank can provide them if you do not have them memorized.

The representative will read back the account number and routing number to confirm they entered it correctly. Listen carefully and stop them if anything is wrong. Once they confirm, the change is submitted. You will receive a test deposit within a few days, just as you would with an online change.

Changing your account in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into any local Social Security office and ask to update your direct deposit information. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You will need your new account number and routing number, so either write them down beforehand or bring your checkbook.

Tell the representative at the front desk that you want to change your payment account. They will direct you to the right desk or give you a number to wait for. When it is your turn, the representative will confirm your identity, ask for your new account details, and submit the change on the spot. This method works well if you have questions or if you prefer to handle things face-to-face, but it usually takes longer than calling or going online because you have to travel and wait in line.

How long the change takes and when your first payment arrives

The change itself is instant — Social Security records it as soon as you submit it online, hang up the phone, or leave the office. However, your payment will not go to the new account right away. Social Security sends payments on a schedule based on your birth date, and the change takes effect on the next payment cycle after Social Security processes it, which is usually one or two weeks.

For example, if your payment date is the second Wednesday of the month and you change your account on the first Wednesday, your next payment will likely still go to your old account. The payment after that will go to your new account. If you change your account on the third Wednesday, your next payment might go to the new account, depending on how quickly Social Security processes the change.

Before the change takes effect, Social Security will send a test deposit of one or two cents to your new account. This usually arrives within three to five business days. The test deposit is Social Security's way of confirming the account is real and in your name. You do not need to report it or do anything with it — it will sit in your account, and your regular payment will follow.

What to do if your payment goes to the wrong account

If your payment arrives in your old account instead of your new one, or if it does not arrive anywhere, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. A representative can look up where your payment was sent and help you recover it if it went to the wrong place.

If the payment went to your old account and you still have access to that account, you can transfer it yourself. If you no longer have access — for example, because you closed the account or switched banks — Social Security can request that your old bank return the payment. This process takes a few weeks, so contact Social Security as soon as you notice the problem.

To avoid this, do not close your old account until you have seen at least one full payment arrive in your new account. This gives you time to confirm the change worked and to catch any problems before the old account is gone.

Changing your account if you do not have online access

If you do not have internet access or do not feel comfortable using the website, the phone line is your best option. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to change your direct deposit account. The representative will walk you through the process step by step. You do not need a password or username — they will confirm your identity by asking questions only you would know the answer to.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter on the phone at no cost — just ask when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account the same day I open a new bank account?

Yes, you can submit the change immediately, but your bank may not be ready to receive the deposit right away. Wait at least one business day after opening the account before you change your Social Security deposit information. This gives the bank time to fully activate the account in their system.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

Contact Social Security as soon as you realize the mistake. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to correct your direct deposit information. They can update it before your next payment is sent. If a payment already went to the wrong account, Social Security can help you recover it.

Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security will be depositing money?

No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Social Security will deposit the money using the routing number and account number you provide, and your bank will process it like any other deposit. The money will appear in your account automatically.

Can I change my account more than once?

Yes. You can change your direct deposit account as many times as you need to. Each change takes effect within one or two payment cycles, just like the first time. If you change accounts frequently, keep track of when each change takes effect so you know which account to expect your payment in.

What happens to my old account after I change it?

Social Security stops sending payments to your old account once the change takes effect. Your old bank will not close the account automatically — you will need to close it yourself if you want to. Wait until you have seen at least one payment arrive in your new account before you close the old one.