You can change which bank account receives your Social Security check through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at a local office

Social Security lets you update your direct deposit information whenever you need to — whether you're switching banks, closing an account, or moving money to a different account at the same bank. The process takes a few minutes and you can do it online without calling or visiting an office. Changes typically take effect within one or two pay periods, though Social Security recommends allowing up to two weeks to be safe.

You'll need your Social Security number, your new bank account number, and your bank's routing number. If you don't have your routing number, your bank can provide it, or you can find it on a check from that account — it's the nine-digit number printed at the bottom left.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your direct deposit is through my Social Security at ssa.gov, where you can update your account information in minutes without waiting on hold.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a check or are available from your bank directly.
  • Changes usually take effect within one or two pay periods, so plan ahead if you're closing an old account.
  • If you don't have online access or prefer not to use it, you can call Social Security's toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office in person.
  • Social Security will not send you a confirmation letter automatically, so take a screenshot or note the date you made the change for your records.

Changing your direct deposit online through my Social Security

The online method is the fastest and requires no waiting. Go to ssa.gov and select "my Social Security" in the upper right. If you don't have an account, you'll create one using your email address and a password. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading documents like a driver's license.

Once you're logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu. Select the option to change your direct deposit. You'll enter your new bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake here means your payment goes to the wrong account.

After you submit, you'll see a confirmation on screen. Take a screenshot or write down the date and time you made the change. Social Security does not automatically email you a confirmation, so this record is your proof that you updated it.

Changing your direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. You'll need your Social Security number and your new bank information ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

A representative will walk you through the change and read back the information to confirm it's correct. Ask them to provide a confirmation number or reference number for your records. Write it down when ready — this is your proof of the change if there's ever a problem.

Changing your direct deposit in person at a Social Security office

You can visit your local Social Security office to update your direct deposit. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and your new bank information. You don't need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times or to schedule one.

The representative will update your account on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change was made. Keep this receipt with your records. If your local office is far away or has long wait times, the online or phone methods are usually faster.

What happens during the transition between accounts

Social Security typically processes the change within one or two pay periods. Your next check will go to your new account. If you're closing your old bank account, don't close it until you've received at least one payment in your new account and confirmed it arrived.

If you need to change your direct deposit because your old account is being closed, contact your bank to find out when they're closing it. Then update Social Security at least two weeks before that date. This gives Social Security time to process the change and ensures your payment doesn't bounce back to Social Security.

If a payment does go to a closed account, your bank will return it to Social Security, and Social Security will reissue the check. This can take several weeks, so it's worth the effort to update early.

Changing from direct deposit to a paper check

If you want to stop receiving direct deposit and go back to paper checks instead, you can make that change through the same methods — online, by phone, or in person. Social Security will mail you a check each month instead of depositing it electronically.

Paper checks take longer to arrive than direct deposit and can be lost or stolen in the mail. Direct deposit is generally safer and faster, but if you don't have a bank account or prefer not to use one, paper checks remain an option.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing direct deposit

The most common error is transposing digits in your routing number or account number. A single wrong digit sends your payment to someone else's account or causes it to be rejected. Before you submit the change, verify both numbers by checking a recent check or calling your bank directly.

Another mistake is closing your old bank account before the first payment hits your new account. If Social Security is still processing the change, your old account needs to stay open to receive that final payment. Wait at least one full pay period after you see money in your new account before closing the old one.

Don't assume Social Security sent you a confirmation email — they don't always do this. Write down the date and time you made the change and any confirmation number you received. If there's a problem, this record helps Social Security track what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my direct deposit change to take effect?

Social Security usually processes the change within one or two pay periods. Your next payment should go to your new account. To be safe, Social Security recommends allowing up to two weeks. If you don't see the payment in your new account after two weeks, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

If your payment goes to the wrong account, contact Social Security when ready. They can reissue your payment to the correct account, but this takes time. To avoid this, verify your routing number and account number before you submit the change — check a recent check or call your bank directly.

Can I change my direct deposit more than once?

Yes, you can change it as many times as you need to. Each change takes one or two pay periods to process. If you're switching banks multiple times in a short period, make sure your old account stays open long enough to receive any payments that are still in transit.

What if I don't have a bank account?

You can receive your Social Security payment by paper check instead. Contact Social Security through my Social Security, by phone, or in person to switch from direct deposit to checks. Checks take longer to arrive than direct deposit and can be lost in the mail, so consider opening a bank account if possible.

Do I need to notify my bank that Social Security is changing my direct deposit?

No, you don't need to contact your bank. Social Security handles the entire change on their end. Your bank will straightforward start receiving the deposits once Social Security processes the update. If you're closing an old account, contact that bank to make sure they know you're moving the direct deposit elsewhere.