Change your bank account through my Social Security, by phone, or in person at a field office
You can update your direct deposit bank account without reapplying for benefits or waiting for a new payment cycle. Social Security lets you change the account where your checks land through three routes: the my Social Security online portal (fastest), a phone call to Social Security, or a visit to your local field office. The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles, though it can take longer if you submit the request near a payment date.
The online method is quickest if you already have a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Phone and in-person changes work the same day you make them, but you will need to wait for the next scheduled payment to see money land in the new account.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit bank account online through my Social Security, by calling Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local field office in person.
- The new account information takes effect within one or two payment cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching banks to avoid a gap in deposits.
- You will need your routing number and account number from your new bank; Social Security does not accept account numbers alone without the routing number.
- If you change your account and money stops arriving, contact Social Security within three business days to report the problem and request a replacement check or electronic transfer.
Change your account online through my Social Security
Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will send you a verification link; click it to finish setup. Once you are logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu.
Select the option to change your direct deposit account. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Do not guess or use a partial number—Social Security will reject the request if either number is wrong. You can find both numbers on a blank check from your new bank, or call the bank's customer service line and ask for them. After you submit the change, you will see a confirmation message on screen. The new account should receive your next scheduled payment, though it may take one or two cycles.
Change your account by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. The representative will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and date of birth, then update your account in real time.
Once the call ends, the change is recorded in Social Security's system. Your next payment will go to the new account. If you are calling near your payment date (usually the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of the month, depending on your birth date), ask the representative when your next payment is scheduled so you know when to expect money in the new account.
Change your account in person at a field office
Visit your local Social Security field office and bring a photo ID and proof of your new bank account. A bank statement, a blank check, or a letter from your bank showing your routing and account numbers all work as proof. The office staff will update your direct deposit information on the spot.
You can find your nearest field office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office's website to see whether you need to book a time slot. The change takes effect immediately in Social Security's records, and your next payment will go to the new account.
What happens if your first payment to the new account does not arrive
If your payment does not land in the new account by the expected date, contact Social Security within three business days. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your field office. Have your new account number and routing number ready, and be prepared to describe when you made the change and what date you expected the payment.
Social Security can issue a replacement check or arrange an electronic transfer to your new account if the original payment went to the old account by mistake. This process usually takes five to seven business days. In the meantime, check your old account to see whether the payment landed there instead—if it did, you can transfer it yourself or wait for Social Security to retrieve it.
Timing: when to change your account to avoid a missed payment
Social Security payments are scheduled by birth date, not by calendar date. If your birth date is between the 1st and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday. If it is between the 11th and 20th, you are paid on the third Wednesday. If it is between the 21st and 31st, you are paid on the fourth Wednesday. Check your payment schedule at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your exact payment date.
Make the change at least one week before your next payment date if you are switching banks. This gives Social Security time to process the update and your new bank time to receive and post the deposit. If you change your account fewer than three days before a payment date, the money may still go to your old account; contact Social Security to arrange a transfer or replacement check.
Verify the new account information before you submit it
Routing numbers and account numbers are long strings of digits, and a single mistake will send your payment to the wrong place. Before you submit the change through any method, write down both numbers and read them aloud to yourself or have someone else listen. Then call your new bank and give them the numbers to confirm they are correct.
If you enter the wrong routing number, your payment may go to a different bank entirely. If you enter the wrong account number, it may go to someone else's account at the correct bank. Either way, Social Security will need to trace the payment and arrange a correction, which can take weeks. Spending two minutes to verify the numbers now saves you from that headache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit account if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can change it by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local field office. You do not need an online account to update your bank information. Creating a my Social Security account is optional and is only the fastest route if you already have one set up.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your field office. They can correct the information before your next payment is sent. If the payment already went to the wrong account, Social Security can file a trace and work with the banks to recover it, though this process takes time.
Do I need to notify my old bank that I am switching my direct deposit?
No. Social Security will stop sending payments to the old account once the change takes effect. You do not need to contact the old bank. However, you may want to keep that account open for a month or two in case a delayed payment arrives there by mistake.
How long does it take for the change to show up in my account?
The change takes effect within one or two payment cycles. If you make the change online or by phone, it is recorded immediately, but your next payment still follows your regular payment schedule. If you change your account on the 15th and your payment date is the 20th, you may see the money in the new account on the 20th, or it may take until your next scheduled payment date.
Can I change my direct deposit account if I receive both Social Security and SSI?
Yes. The change applies to all benefits you receive from Social Security. If you receive both retirement or disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income, both payments will go to the new account once the change takes effect.