You can change which bank account receives your Social Security payment at any time

Social Security deposits your benefit payment into the bank account you choose. If you need to switch to a different account — because you changed banks, closed an account, or want to move money somewhere else — you can update this information yourself through your Social Security account online, by phone, or in person at a local office. The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles, though the exact timing depends on when you submit the request and your bank's processing speed.

You do not need to contact your bank first. Social Security handles the change on their end, and your new bank will receive the deposit once Social Security sends it. If you are moving money between two of your own accounts at the same bank, the switch is usually faster than moving to a different bank entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your direct deposit account online through your personal my Social Security account, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • Social Security needs your new bank's routing number and your account number to set up the deposit, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • The change typically takes one or two payment cycles to go into effect, so plan ahead if you are closing an old account.
  • If your payment fails to arrive in the new account after two payment cycles, contact Social Security to confirm the information was entered correctly.

Changing direct deposit online through my Social Security

The fastest way to change your direct deposit is through your personal my Social Security account on the Social Security website. You will need to log in with a username and password, or use a third-party sign-in method like Login.gov if you do not have a my Social Security account yet.

Once you are logged in, look for the "Manage Your Benefits" or "Payment Information" section — the exact label varies depending on when your account was created. Select the option to change your direct deposit or payment method. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both of these on a blank check from your account, or by calling your bank's customer service line and asking for the routing number and account number associated with your specific account.

After you submit the change online, you will see a confirmation message. Social Security will process the update, and your next payment should go to the new account within one or two payment cycles. Keep the confirmation message or take a screenshot in case you need to reference it later.

Changing direct deposit by phone or in person

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready when you call.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you by using the office locator on the Social Security website or by calling the main number above. Bring a document that shows your new bank account information, such as a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank. An employee will update your direct deposit information on the spot, and you will receive a written confirmation before you leave.

What information Social Security needs from you

To change your direct deposit, Social Security needs three pieces of information: your Social Security number (which they already have), your new bank's routing number, and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. The account number is unique to your account at that bank.

You can find both numbers on a blank check from your account — the routing number is typically the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number follows it. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask for the routing number and account number. Some banks also display this information in their mobile app or online banking portal under account details.

If you are setting up direct deposit to a savings account instead of a checking account, make sure you have the correct account number for the savings account, not your checking account. Social Security will deposit to whichever account number you provide.

How long the change takes to take effect

Once you submit your change, Social Security processes it within a few business days. However, your payment will not go to the new account until your next scheduled payment date. If you change your direct deposit on the 10th of the month and your payment is scheduled for the 15th, the change may or may not be in effect by then — it depends on how quickly Social Security processes the request.

Most people see their payment arrive in the new account within one or two payment cycles. If you are moving money between two accounts at the same bank, the deposit may appear faster because the bank does not have to route the money between two different financial institutions. If you are switching to a completely different bank, it may take slightly longer.

If your payment does not arrive in the new account after two payment cycles, contact Social Security to confirm that your routing number and account number were entered correctly. Sometimes a single digit entered wrong will cause the deposit to fail or go to the wrong account.

What happens to payments sent to your old account

Once your direct deposit change takes effect, Social Security will stop sending payments to your old account. Any payment sent to the old account before the change takes effect will still arrive there, so you may see one or two final deposits in the old account before the switch is complete.

If a payment is accidentally sent to your old account after the change should have taken effect, contact your old bank and ask them to return the funds to Social Security. You can also contact Social Security directly to report the error. Do not assume the money will automatically move to your new account — you will need to work with your bank or Social Security to redirect it.

If you closed the old account before the final payment arrived, contact Social Security as soon as you notice a payment is missing. They can reissue the payment to your new account or help you recover the funds from the closed account.

Changing direct deposit if you do not have a bank account

If you do not currently have a bank account, Social Security offers an alternative called a Direct Express card. This is a prepaid debit card issued by Comerica Bank that works like a checking account for receiving your benefit payment. Your payment is deposited directly onto the card each month, and you can use it to withdraw cash, make purchases, or transfer money.

To set up a Direct Express card, visit the Direct Express website or call 1-888-233-3010. You can also explore in person at certain retail locations. There is no monthly fee for the card, though you may be charged for certain transactions like out-of-network ATM withdrawals. Once your card is approved and activated, you can provide the card information to Social Security to set up direct deposit, just as you would with a bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit more than once?

Yes, you can change your direct deposit as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can update your bank account information. Each change takes effect within one or two payment cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching accounts frequently.

What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?

If you realize you made a mistake after submitting the change, contact Social Security right away through my Social Security, by phone, or in person. The sooner you correct it, the less likely your payment will be sent to the wrong account. If a payment was already sent to the wrong account, Social Security can help you recover it or reissue it to the correct account.

Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is sending me a payment?

No, you do not need to contact your bank. Social Security will send the payment using the routing number and account number you provide, and your bank will process it like any other electronic deposit. Your bank may ask you to verify the deposit if it is the first time Social Security has sent money to that account, but this is automatic and requires no action from you.

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

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

What if I want to go back to receiving a paper check instead of direct deposit?

You can request to stop direct deposit and receive a paper check instead by contacting Social Security through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office. However, Social Security encourages direct deposit because it is faster and more find than mailing checks. If you stop direct deposit, your check will be mailed to your address on file and may take longer to arrive.