Where Social Security sends your payment and how to change it
Social Security deposits your benefit payment into the bank account you registered with them. If you close that account, move banks, or need to switch to a different account, you must tell Social Security the new details before your next payment date. If you do not update it, your payment will fail and you will not receive money that month.
You can change your bank information three ways: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online method is fastest and takes effect within one to two business days. Phone and in-person changes may take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security needs your current bank account number and routing number to deposit your benefit payment each month.
- You can update your bank details online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
- Online changes through my Social Security take one to two business days; phone and office changes may take longer.
- If your payment fails because the account information is wrong, contact Social Security immediately to prevent missing a month of benefits.
- Keep your bank account open for at least one month after you update Social Security, even if you have moved your money elsewhere.
Changing your bank information online through my Social Security
The fastest way to update your account is through the my Social Security website. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number.
Once you are signed in, look for the "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" section. Click on it and select "Change Bank Account." You will need to enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit, because an error will send your payment to the wrong account.
After you submit, Social Security will send you a confirmation message. The change usually takes effect within one to two business days. Your next payment will go to the new account on the regular payment date.
Changing your bank information by phone or mail
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, new routing number, and new account number ready. A representative will update your information over the phone and give you a confirmation number. Write it down.
Phone changes may take three to five business days to process, longer than online changes. If your payment date is coming up soon, use the online method instead.
You can also mail a written request to your local Social Security office. Include your name, Social Security number, new routing number, and new account number. Mail it to the office address listed on ssa.gov/locator. Mail changes take one to two weeks, so use this method only if you do not have internet access and cannot call.
What information Social Security needs from your bank
Your bank routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can find it on the bottom left of your checks, or call your bank and ask for it. Some banks also list it on their website under "routing number" or "ABA number."
Your account number is the number on your checks or your bank statement. It is usually 10 to 12 digits long. Make sure you give Social Security the account number for the account where you want your benefit deposited, not a different account at the same bank.
If you are switching to a different bank entirely, get the routing number from your new bank before you contact Social Security. Do not guess or use a number you think is correct—a wrong routing number will send your payment somewhere you cannot access it.
What happens if your payment fails because the bank information is wrong
If Social Security tries to deposit your payment and the account information is incorrect, the payment will bounce back to Social Security. You will not receive that month's benefit. Social Security will not automatically resend it.
If this happens, contact Social Security as soon as you realize the payment did not arrive. Call 1-800-772-1213 or go to your local office. Explain what happened and provide the correct bank information. Social Security can sometimes reissue the payment, but the process takes time—usually two to four weeks. In the meantime, you will not have access to that money.
This is why it is important to update your bank information before you close an old account. If you must close an account, do it at least one week after your payment date so you have time to catch any problems.
Keeping your old account open while the change processes
After you update your bank information with Social Security, keep your old account open for at least one month. If Social Security still has the old account number in their system when your payment processes, the money will go there. If you have already closed the account, the payment will fail and you will have to wait for Social Security to reissue it.
Once you have received two or three payments in your new account without problems, you can safely close the old account. Check your bank statement each month to confirm the payment arrived in the correct place.
Updating your information if you are a representative payee
If someone else manages your Social Security benefits as your representative payee, that person must request the bank information change, not you. The payee can update it online, by phone, or in person using the same methods described above. They will need to sign in to the my Social Security account or provide their own identification when calling or visiting an office.
If you are the payee and you need to change the account, you can do it yourself. If you are the beneficiary and you want to change the account but your payee refuses, contact Social Security to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Social Security to update my bank information?
Online changes through my Social Security take one to two business days. Phone changes take three to five business days. Mail changes take one to two weeks. Your payment will go to the new account on your regular payment date once the change is processed.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
Your payment will go to the wrong bank or account and you will not be able to access it. Contact Social Security immediately with the correct information. They can reissue the payment, but it takes two to four weeks. Update your information again right away to prevent it from happening a second time.
Can I change my bank information the day before my payment is due?
You can request the change, but it may not process in time. If your payment date is tomorrow and you change your information today, Social Security may still send the payment to your old account. Keep the old account open for at least one month to catch any payments that go there by mistake.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security will be depositing money?
No. Once you give Social Security your routing number and account number, they can deposit money into that account without notifying your bank in advance. Your bank will accept the deposit automatically.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You must open a bank account before you can receive Social Security benefits by direct deposit. Go to a bank or credit union near you and open a checking or savings account. Once the account is open and you have your routing number and account number, update your information with Social Security using one of the methods described above.