You can change your direct deposit bank at any time through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person
Social Security lets you change which bank receives your monthly payment without stopping your benefits or waiting for approval. The change takes effect within one or two pay cycles — usually your next deposit, though sometimes the one after. You do not need to contact your old bank or your new bank; Social Security handles the switch on their end.
The fastest route is Social Security's online portal, my Social Security, where you can update your bank details in minutes if you already have an account. If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use it, you can call Social Security directly or visit a local office in person. Each method requires the same information: your new bank's routing number and your new account number.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit bank through my Social Security online, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
- Your new bank's routing number and your account number are the only pieces of information Social Security needs to process the change.
- The change typically takes effect within one or two pay cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching banks on a specific date.
- If your payment fails to arrive after the change, contact Social Security to confirm the update went through rather than assuming your old bank is still processing it.
How to change your bank online through my Social Security
Log in to my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone to confirm your identity.
Once you are logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu — the exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created. Click on the option to change your direct deposit. You will see your current bank information displayed. Enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your new account number, then confirm the change. Social Security will show you a summary of what you entered before you submit it.
Save the confirmation page or take a screenshot showing the date and time of your request. Social Security processes online changes when ready, but the actual deposit to your new account may not happen until your next scheduled payment date.
How to change your bank by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call.
Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit bank. They will ask you to confirm your identity by providing your date of birth and possibly the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once confirmed, they will ask for your new bank's routing number and your account number. Read the numbers back to them to make sure they entered them correctly.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the date the change will take effect. Write this down. If you do not receive your payment on the expected date after the change, you can reference this confirmation number when you call back.
How to change your bank in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office with a form of identification — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You do not need an appointment, though some offices accept appointments online through ssa.gov/locator.
Tell the staff member you want to change your direct deposit bank. Bring your new bank's routing number and account number written down, or have them ready on your phone. The staff member will update your information in Social Security's system and give you a receipt showing the change. Keep the receipt until your first payment arrives in the new account.
Finding your new bank's routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. You can find it in three places: at the bottom left of any check from that bank, on your bank's website (usually in the "Help" or "Contact Us" section), or by calling your bank's customer service line. If you are switching to an online bank that does not issue checks, the bank's website will have the routing number listed clearly.
Your account number is printed on your checks (usually at the bottom center) or visible in your online banking portal. It is typically 10 to 12 digits. Do not confuse it with your routing number — Social Security needs both to process the change correctly.
If you are unsure which account number to use (for example, if you have multiple accounts at the same bank), call your bank and tell them you are setting up direct deposit. They will confirm which account number to provide.
What happens during the transition between banks
Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a schedule tied to your payment date. If you submit the change before the cutoff date for your next payment cycle, it may take effect on that payment. If you miss the cutoff, the change takes effect on the following payment date. Social Security does not send a separate notice telling you the change is complete — your first deposit to the new account is your confirmation.
Your old bank will not send your Social Security payment to the new bank. Once Social Security stops sending deposits there, the old account receives nothing. You do not need to contact your old bank to close the account or stop the direct deposit — Social Security handles that by stopping the deposits on their end.
If you are closing your old bank account, wait until you see the first deposit arrive in your new account before closing it. This prevents any confusion if there is a delay.
What to do if your payment does not arrive after changing banks
Wait three business days after your expected payment date before contacting Social Security. Banks sometimes take a day or two to process incoming deposits, especially if you switched to a different bank or a different type of account (for example, from a checking account to a savings account).
If the payment still has not arrived after three business days, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number from when you made the change. Ask them to confirm that your new bank information is in their system correctly. If the routing number or account number was entered incorrectly, Social Security can correct it when ready, and your next payment will go to the right place. If the information is correct but the payment is missing, Social Security can investigate further or issue a replacement payment.
Do not assume your old bank is still processing the payment. Once Social Security submits the deposit to your new bank, the old bank has no record of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit bank more than once?
Yes. You can change your bank as many times as you need to. Each change takes effect within one or two pay cycles. If you are switching banks multiple times in a short period, make sure each change is fully processed before you close the old account.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You must have an active bank account before you can set up direct deposit. Open an account at your chosen bank first, get your routing number and account number, and then contact Social Security to update your direct deposit information.
Can I change my direct deposit to a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Social Security will deposit to either a checking or savings account as long as you provide the correct routing number and account number for that account. Some banks process deposits to savings accounts slightly differently, so confirm with your bank that they accept direct deposits to the specific account you are using.
What if I entered the wrong routing number or account number?
Contact Social Security as soon as you realize the mistake. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to correct the information. If a payment has already been sent to the wrong account, Social Security can investigate where it went and issue a replacement. The sooner you catch the error, the easier it is to fix.
Do I need to tell my employer or anyone else about changing my Social Security direct deposit bank?
No. Your employer has no connection to your Social Security direct deposit. Only Social Security needs to know about the change. If you receive other government benefits (unemployment, veterans benefits, tax refunds), those are set up separately, and you would need to change those accounts individually if you want them to go to the same new bank.