You can change your direct deposit account online, by phone, or by mail

Social Security deposits your payment into whichever bank account you set up when you first started receiving benefits. If you want to move those payments to a different bank, a different account type, or a different financial institution, you have three ways to do it: through your online my Social Security account, by calling Social Security directly, or by mailing in a form. The online method is fastest — changes usually take effect within one or two business days — but all three routes work and require the same basic information about your new account.

You do not have to wait for a specific time of month or year to make this change. You can switch accounts whenever you need to, and Social Security will not charge you a fee for doing so. The only thing to watch for is timing: if you change your account details close to your regular payment date, your deposit might still go to the old account that month, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your direct deposit is through your my Social Security account online, where changes usually take effect within one or two business days.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • If you change your account details within a few days of your regular payment date, your next deposit might still go to your old account.
  • You can change your direct deposit by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
  • Social Security will not charge you for changing your direct deposit information.

Change your direct deposit through your online account

If you have a my Social Security account, this is the quickest method. Go to ssa.gov, sign in with your username and password (or create an account if you do not have one yet), and look for the "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information" section. You will see your current bank details displayed. Click the option to change or update your direct deposit.

You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch; you can find it on a blank check in the bottom left corner, or call your bank and ask for it. Your account number appears on your checks as well, usually to the right of the routing number. Social Security will ask you to enter this information twice to make sure there are no typos.

Once you submit the change online, Social Security sends a confirmation to the email address on file with your account. Keep that confirmation for your records. Your new direct deposit should start with your next scheduled payment, though if you submit the change very close to your payment date, Social Security may not process it in time, and your deposit will go to your old account that month instead.

Change your direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking you questions about your Social Security record, then update your direct deposit information in the system.

Phone lines are typically busiest early in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you call during a quieter time — late morning or Wednesday through Friday — you may wait less time. The representative will give you a confirmation number; write it down and keep it with your records.

Change your direct deposit by mail

If you prefer not to go online or call, you can mail a form to Social Security. read and print Form SSA-1199-OP4 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) from ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail it to you. Fill in your new bank's routing number and account number on the form, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than online or phone changes — typically two to four weeks. For this reason, mail is the slowest option, but it works if you do not have internet access or a phone available. Keep a copy of the form you mail for your records.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you contact Social Security, regardless of which method you choose:

  • Your new bank's nine-digit routing number (found on a check or by calling your bank)
  • Your new account number (found on a check or your bank statement)
  • The type of account — checking or savings
  • Your Social Security number

If you are changing to an account at a different bank entirely, make sure the account is already open and active before you contact Social Security. Social Security will not open a bank account for you; they only update the account information in their system. If you give them an account number that does not exist or is not yet active, your payment will be rejected and you will have to update it again.

What happens if your deposit is rejected

If Social Security tries to deposit your payment into an account that is closed, does not exist, or has the wrong account number, the bank will reject the deposit. Social Security will then mail you a check instead, which can take one to two weeks to arrive. Once you receive it, you can deposit it yourself or contact Social Security again to correct your direct deposit information.

To avoid this, double-check your routing number and account number before you submit them. A single wrong digit will cause the deposit to fail. If you are unsure about either number, call your bank and confirm both before you contact Social Security.

Changing direct deposit if you move to a new bank

When you switch banks entirely, you have two choices: update your direct deposit to your new bank's account, or keep your old account open just to receive Social Security deposits. Many people keep the old account open because it is simpler than updating Social Security's records, especially if they have other automatic payments tied to that account. If you do close your old account, make sure you have already set up direct deposit with your new bank first.

Some banks offer a service that automatically forwards direct deposits from an old account to a new one, but Social Security does not always recognize these forwards. It is safer to update Social Security directly rather than rely on your bank's forwarding service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?

Online changes through my Social Security usually take effect within one or two business days. Phone changes take about the same time. Mail changes take two to four weeks. If you submit a change within a few days of your regular payment date, your next deposit might still go to your old account, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.

Can I have my Social Security payment split between two accounts?

No. Social Security only allows one direct deposit account per person. Your entire payment goes to a single account. If you want to split the money between accounts after it arrives, you will have to do that yourself through your bank's transfer tools.

What if I do not have a bank account?

Social Security requires direct deposit for most new beneficiaries. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with minimal documentation. Some banks offer low-cost or no-cost accounts specifically for receiving government payments. Alternatively, you can use a prepaid debit card account that accepts direct deposits, though fees vary by card.

Do I need to notify my old bank when I change my direct deposit?

No. Once Social Security stops sending deposits to your old account, you can close it whenever you want. You do not need to tell your old bank that Social Security will no longer be depositing there. However, if you have other automatic payments or transfers set up with that account, make sure to update those before you close it.

What if I entered the wrong account number and my payment was rejected?

Social Security will mail you a check instead, which takes one to two weeks. Once you receive it, contact Social Security again to correct your direct deposit information. You can update it using any of the three methods — online, phone, or mail — and your next payment will go to the correct account.