Change your bank account through my Social Security or by phone

You can change where Social Security deposits your check in two ways: online through your my Social Security account, or by calling Social Security directly. The online route takes minutes if you have your login ready. The phone route works if you don't have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, though wait times vary.

Social Security deposits go to whatever bank account you set up when you first claimed benefits. If you've changed banks, closed an account, or want to move your deposit somewhere else, you need to update that information with Social Security before your next payment date. The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles, though Social Security recommends making the change at least seven days before the date you expect your deposit.

You'll need your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your new account number. Have those details ready before you start, whether you're going online or calling.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into my Social Security online and go to "Manage Benefits" to change your bank account yourself in minutes.
  • If you don't have an online account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to update your direct deposit information.
  • You need your new bank's routing number and your account number; Social Security will not accept account numbers alone.
  • Changes take one to two payment cycles to go into effect, so update your information at least a week before you expect your next deposit.
  • If your deposit fails to arrive after you've made the change, contact your new bank first to confirm the account is set up to receive deposits.

Changing your deposit account online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account. If you don't have one, you can create it on the same page with your email address, Social Security number, and a password. Once you're logged in, look for the "Manage Benefits" section.

Click on "Change Direct Deposit" or "Update Direct Deposit Information" (the exact wording varies slightly). You'll see your current bank account listed. Enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number in the fields provided. Double-check both numbers before you submit—a wrong routing number or account number will send your deposit to the wrong place.

After you submit, you'll see a confirmation screen. Social Security will send you an email confirming the change. Keep that email. Your new deposit should arrive within one or two payment cycles. If you don't see it by the third cycle, contact your new bank to make sure the account is active and set up to receive incoming transfers.

Changing your deposit account by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number, new bank's routing number, and new account number ready before you call.

Tell the representative you want to update your direct deposit information. They'll ask you to confirm your identity, usually by asking for your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Then they'll ask for your new bank's routing number and account number. Repeat both numbers back to the representative to confirm they heard them correctly.

The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. Your deposit should arrive within one or two payment cycles. If it doesn't, call back with your confirmation number so Social Security can check whether the change went through on their end.

What happens if your deposit goes to the wrong account

If you entered the wrong routing number or account number and your Social Security deposit landed in someone else's account, contact Social Security immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. Social Security can file a trace to recover the payment, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances.

You'll also need to contact the bank where the money went and ask them to return it. Banks are required to cooperate with Social Security's recovery requests, but the process can take several weeks. In the meantime, Social Security can issue you a replacement check or reissue the deposit to the correct account once the error is fixed.

Changing your account if you're receiving benefits through a representative payee

If someone else manages your Social Security benefits as your representative payee, they are the one who can change the bank account. You cannot change it yourself, even if you have a my Social Security account. The representative payee must either go online through their own my Social Security account or call Social Security to make the change.

If you want to change the account and your representative payee won't do it, you can contact Social Security and ask to speak with someone about your situation. Social Security can investigate whether the representative payee is acting in your best interest, but the change itself still has to come from them unless Social Security removes them and restores your authority over your own benefits.

Timing and what to expect after you make the change

Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a rolling basis. If you make the change online or by phone before the 10th of the month, it usually takes effect for the next payment cycle. If you make it after the 10th, it may not take effect until the following cycle. Social Security's payment dates vary depending on when you were born, so check your payment schedule on your my Social Security account to know exactly when to expect your deposit.

Your old bank account will stop receiving Social Security deposits once the change goes through. If you had other automatic payments set up to come out of that account (like a bill payment), you'll need to update those separately. Closing the old account too quickly can cause those payments to bounce, so give yourself time to redirect them first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account if I'm receiving benefits on a representative payee's account?

No. Your representative payee controls the account and must make any changes. If you believe they're misusing the account or won't make a necessary change, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

What if I don't know my new bank's routing number?

Call your new bank and ask for the routing number. You can also find it on a check from that account—it's the nine-digit number at the bottom left. Do not guess or use a number you think is right; a wrong routing number will send your deposit elsewhere.

How long does it take for the change to show up?

One to two payment cycles, which means one to two months depending on your payment schedule. Social Security recommends making the change at least seven days before your next expected deposit to avoid delays.

What if my deposit doesn't arrive after I changed banks?

First, confirm with your new bank that the account is active and set up to receive incoming ACH transfers. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number (if you have it) to verify the change went through on their end. If the deposit was sent to your old account by mistake, contact that bank to have it returned.

Can I change my bank account more than once?

Yes. You can update your direct deposit information as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to two payment cycles to take effect, so plan ahead if you're switching banks again.