Contact Social Security to update your bank information
To change which bank receives your Social Security payment, you need to tell Social Security directly—your old bank cannot do it for you, and your new bank cannot request the change on your behalf. Social Security maintains the routing and account numbers, so you are the one who updates them.
You have three ways to report the change: call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit your local Social Security office in person, or use your personal my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you call, have your Social Security number, the new bank's routing number, and your new account number ready.
Online is usually fastest if you already have a my Social Security account set up. Log in, go to "Manage Direct Deposit," and enter your new bank details. The change typically takes effect within one or two pay cycles—usually your next payment or the one after that, depending on when Social Security processes the request.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security processes the change, not your bank, so contact Social Security by phone, online, or in person with your new routing and account numbers.
- The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles, so plan ahead if you are switching banks to avoid a gap in receiving your payment.
- You need your new bank's nine-digit routing number and your full account number, both of which appear on a blank check or your bank's website.
- If you close your old account before the change takes effect, Social Security may send the payment there anyway, and you will need to contact your old bank to retrieve it.
Get your new bank's routing and account numbers before you call
Social Security will ask for two pieces of information: your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and your account number (the number of the specific account where you want deposits to land). Both appear on a blank check from your new bank—the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the bottom left, and the account number follows it.
If you do not have a blank check, log into your new bank's website or app and look for account details or settings. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your new bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Write both down before you contact Social Security so you do not have to look them up while on the phone.
Plan the timing to avoid missing a payment
Social Security deposits typically arrive on the third day of each month (or the closest business day if the third falls on a weekend or holiday). If you request a change mid-month, it may not take effect until the next scheduled deposit date or the one after that. The exact timing depends on when Social Security receives and processes your request.
Do not close your old bank account until at least one payment has arrived in your new account. If Social Security sends a deposit to your old account after you have closed it, the bank will reject the payment and return it to Social Security. You will then have to contact Social Security again to resubmit the change, which delays your access to the money.
If you are switching banks because your old account is compromised or you suspect fraud, tell Social Security that when you report the change. They may be able to expedite the switch or help you recover a payment that was sent to the wrong account.
What to do if the payment goes to the wrong account
If a Social Security payment lands in your old account after you requested a change, contact your old bank immediately. Explain that the deposit was sent in error and ask them to return it. Most banks can reverse the deposit within a few business days if you report it quickly.
At the same time, contact Social Security to confirm they received your change request. If the payment was sent to the old account because Social Security had not yet processed your update, they will know about it and can reissue the payment to your new account. If there is a delay, Social Security can sometimes issue a replacement check or arrange an emergency payment while the direct deposit is sorted out.
Update your information if you move to a different bank later
The process is the same every time you change banks. Call Social Security, visit in person, or log into your my Social Security account and update your routing and account numbers. You do not need to do anything with your old bank—Social Security handles the entire change on their end.
If you have other government benefits besides Social Security (such as SSI, veterans benefits, or federal employee retirement), they may use separate direct deposit systems. Changing your Social Security direct deposit does not automatically change those other payments. Contact each program separately if you want all your benefits to go to the same new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the change to go into effect?
Usually one or two pay cycles. Social Security deposits on the third of each month, so if you request a change on the 10th, it may take effect on the next scheduled deposit date or the one after that. Call Social Security a few days before your next expected deposit if you want to confirm the change has been processed.
Can I change my direct deposit information online without calling?
Yes, if you have a my Social Security account. Log in at ssa.gov, select "Manage Direct Deposit," and enter your new bank details. This is often faster than calling, and you get immediate confirmation that the change was submitted. You still need your routing number and account number.
What if I do not know my new bank's routing number?
Check a blank check from your new account, log into your bank's website, or call your bank's customer service line. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location. Do not guess or use a number from the internet—using the wrong routing number will send your payment to the wrong place.
Do I need to tell my old bank I am switching?
No. Social Security handles the change entirely. You can close your old account once you confirm a payment has arrived in your new account. Closing the account before that risks the payment being rejected and returned to Social Security, which delays your access to the money.
What if Social Security sent my payment to the old account by mistake?
Contact your old bank and ask them to return the deposit. Then call Social Security to confirm they received your change request. If the payment was sent because your update had not been processed yet, Social Security can reissue it to your new account. Keep records of all communications in case you need to follow up.