How to update your bank account information with Social Security
You can change the bank account where Social Security deposits your benefits by contacting Social Security directly—either online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay periods, though Social Security recommends allowing up to two weeks. You will need your routing number and account number from your new bank, and Social Security will verify the account before the first deposit hits.
The fastest route is online if you already have a my Social Security account set up. 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 visits work just as well but may take longer depending on call volume or office wait times.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account through my Social Security online, by calling Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- Social Security will verify your new account before depositing money, which usually takes one to two pay periods but can take up to two weeks.
- You need your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks) and your full account number from your new bank.
- If you close your old account before Social Security stops using it, your deposit will be rejected and you may face delays in receiving your benefits.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Once logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the account menu—the exact wording varies slightly depending on the page layout.
Click to edit your direct deposit information. You will be asked to enter your routing number and account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code printed at the bottom left of your checks; if you do not have checks, your bank can provide it or you can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online. Your account number is also on your checks, or you can find it in your online banking portal or by calling your bank.
After you submit the change, Social Security will send a test deposit of less than one dollar to your new account within one to two business days. Check your new account for this deposit, then return to my Social Security and confirm the amount. This verification step protects you from typos that could send your money to the wrong place. Once confirmed, your regular benefit deposits will begin within one to two pay periods.
Changing your account by phone or in person
Call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your routing number and account number ready. The representative will update your information on the spot and explain the timeline for the change to take effect.
If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator, or call the main line and ask for the nearest office. Bring a photo ID and your banking information. In-person visits can take longer if the office is busy, but the change is processed the same way as over the phone.
What happens during the verification period
After you submit your new account information, Social Security deposits a small amount—usually less than one dollar—into your new account as a test. This deposit appears within one to two business days. You must confirm the exact amount in your my Social Security account or by telling a representative over the phone.
This step is required because it proves the account number is correct and belongs to you. If you do not confirm the test deposit, your regular benefit payments will not begin. If you miss the confirmation window, contact Social Security to complete it; the window typically stays open for several weeks, but do not wait too long.
Once you confirm, your next regular benefit payment will deposit to your new account. Social Security will stop using your old account after that. The entire process—from submission to first regular deposit—usually takes one to two pay periods, though Social Security advises allowing up to two weeks in case of delays.
Timing: when to change your account before closing the old one
Do not close your old bank account until you are certain Social Security has stopped using it. If you close the account too early and Social Security tries to deposit your benefits there, the deposit will be rejected. Your benefits will not automatically go to your new account; instead, you will face a delay while Social Security investigates and reissues the payment.
The safest approach is to wait at least two full pay periods after your first deposit hits the new account before closing the old one. Social Security typically pays on the third of the month or the second Wednesday, depending on your birth date. If you are unsure when your next payment is due, check your my Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213.
If you have already closed your old account and a deposit was rejected, contact Social Security immediately. They can reissue the payment to your new account, but the process takes time. Having the old account open during the transition prevents this problem entirely.
What to do if your deposit does not arrive
If your benefit payment does not arrive on the expected date, log into my Social Security and check your payment history. It will show whether the deposit was sent and to which account. If it shows a deposit to your old account, your bank may have rejected it because the account is closed or inactive.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation. They can confirm whether the deposit was rejected and reissue the payment to your new account. This process can take several business days to a week. Ask for a reference number so you can track the reissued payment.
If the payment history shows no deposit attempt at all, there may be a delay in processing your account change. Social Security will investigate and either process the change or contact you if additional information is needed. Do not wait passively—call to confirm the status rather than assuming the payment will arrive eventually.
Changing your account if you receive SSI instead of Social Security retirement or disability
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rather than Social Security retirement or disability benefits, the process is the same: use my Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office. SSI payments are processed through the same direct deposit system as other Social Security benefits.
The timeline is also the same—one to two pay periods for the change to take effect. SSI is typically paid on the first of the month, so plan your account change accordingly. If you receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit, changing your account affects all payments going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office in person. Both options work just as well as the online method. You will need your routing number and account number either way, and the timeline for the change is the same.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Social Security sends a test deposit to verify the account before your regular payments begin. If the number is wrong, the test deposit will fail and you will be notified. You can then correct the information and resubmit. This verification step prevents money from going to the wrong place.
How long does it take for Social Security to stop using my old account?
Social Security stops using your old account after your first regular payment deposits to the new one. This usually happens within one to two pay periods. Wait at least two full pay periods after that before closing the old account to be safe.
Can I change my account on the same day I open a new bank account?
Yes, but your new bank account must be fully active and ready to receive deposits. Some banks take a day or two to activate a new account. Contact your bank to confirm the account is open before submitting the change to Social Security.
What if my bank account is in a different state than where I live?
It does not matter. Social Security uses your routing number and account number, which work across state lines. You can have your benefits deposited to an account in any state or at any bank that accepts direct deposits.