Direct deposit moves your Social Security payment straight to your bank account on the same day each month

Social Security payments arrive by direct deposit on the third day of each month (or the closest business day if the third falls on a weekend or holiday). You choose the bank account where the money lands — checking, savings, or both. Once you set it up, the payment happens automatically every month without you having to do anything else.

You can start direct deposit before you claim Social Security, when you first claim, or years after you have been receiving payments. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee to set up or use direct deposit. You can change your bank account information or stop direct deposit at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit deposits your payment on the third of each month into a bank account you choose, with no fees from Social Security.
  • You can set up direct deposit online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number to complete the setup, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
  • If you change banks or want to switch to a different account, you can update your direct deposit information through the same channels without restarting the process.
  • Direct deposit is the only way to receive Social Security payments as of May 2011; paper checks are no longer an option for new claimants.

Setting up direct deposit online through my Social Security

The fastest way to set up direct deposit is through your my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration website. You log in with your username and password, or you can create an account if you do not have one yet. Once you are logged in, you look for the section labeled "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit."

You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any check, or you can call your bank and ask for it. Your account number appears on your checks as well, usually on the bottom center. Enter both numbers, confirm the account type (checking or savings), and submit. The Social Security Administration typically processes the change within one to three business days.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use it, you can still set up direct deposit by phone or in person — both routes are described below.

Setting up direct deposit by phone or at a local office

You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to set up direct deposit over the phone. A representative will ask for your routing number and account number, verify your identity, and process the request. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person; staff there can help you set up direct deposit and answer questions about your account.

To find your local office, go to the Social Security Administration website and use the office locator tool, or call the main number above and ask for the address and hours. Some offices require you to make an appointment in advance, especially after 2020. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it, though neither is strictly required if you can answer security questions to verify your identity.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you set up direct deposit, whether online, by phone, or in person: your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). If you want to split your payment between two accounts — for example, $1,500 to checking and $500 to savings — you can do that, but you will need both routing numbers and both account numbers.

If you do not know your routing number, call your bank and ask for it, or log into your online banking portal and look for it in the account details section. Some banks display it on their website under "bank information" or "routing numbers." You can also search online for "[your bank name] routing number" and find it quickly. Your account number is on your checks or in your online banking portal.

Changing your direct deposit information

If you change banks, close an account, or want to move your payments to a different account, you can update your direct deposit through the same three methods: online, by phone, or in person. Log into my Social Security and select "Payment Information," call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local office. You do not have to cancel the old direct deposit first; you straightforward enter the new bank information, and the Social Security Administration will redirect future payments.

The change usually takes effect within one to three business days. If your payment is scheduled to arrive in the next few days, it may still go to the old account; after that, all payments go to the new account. If you are unsure whether the change has gone through, you can check your my Social Security account or call to confirm.

What happens if your bank account is closed or invalid

If your bank account is closed or the account number is wrong, your payment will be rejected by the bank and returned to the Social Security Administration. When this happens, the Social Security Administration will send you a check in the mail instead, usually within two weeks. The check will include the payment that was rejected plus any payments that arrived while the account was invalid.

Once you receive the check, update your direct deposit information with a new, valid account number. You can do this online, by phone, or in person using the methods described above. Future payments will go to the new account by direct deposit. If you do not update your information, the Social Security Administration will continue to mail checks, which takes longer and costs more to process.

Direct deposit for people who receive benefits through a representative payee

If someone else manages your Social Security benefits on your behalf — called a representative payee — that person sets up and controls the direct deposit account. The money goes into an account in the payee's name, and the payee is responsible for using it for your needs. You cannot change the direct deposit information yourself; the representative payee must do it, or a Social Security representative can help if there is a concern about how the account is being managed.

If you believe your representative payee is misusing your benefits, you can contact the Social Security Administration and ask for a review. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to report the concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can direct a portion of your payment to one account and the rest to another. You will need the routing number and account number for both banks. Set this up through my Social Security, by phone, or in person at your local office.

What if I do not have a bank account?

Direct deposit requires a bank account. If you do not have one, you can open a checking or savings account at most banks or credit unions with minimal documentation. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fee. Once you have an account, you can set up direct deposit using the routing and account numbers.

How long does it take for direct deposit to start after I set it up?

The Social Security Administration usually processes direct deposit changes within one to three business days. If your next payment is scheduled within that window, it may still go to your old account or by check; the new account will receive payments after the change is complete.

Can I go back to receiving paper checks instead of direct deposit?

New claimants cannot receive paper checks; direct deposit is required. If you have been receiving checks, you can continue to do so, but the Social Security Administration encourages switching to direct deposit. You cannot switch back to checks once you move to direct deposit, so make sure your bank account information is correct before you make the change.

What if my direct deposit payment does not arrive on the expected date?

Payments arrive on the third of each month (or the next business day). If your payment is late, check your my Social Security account to confirm the payment was sent, or call 1-800-772-1213. If the payment was rejected because your account was closed or invalid, the Social Security Administration will mail a check instead. Bank delays are rare but can happen; contact your bank if the money does not appear within two business days of the scheduled date.