Where to make the change and what you need
You can change your Social Security direct deposit bank account through the Social Security Administration's online portal, by phone, or in person at a local office. The fastest route is my Social Security, the SSA's official website where you can update your bank details yourself in minutes without waiting for a representative. You will need your Social Security number, current password or the ability to create one, and your new bank account and routing numbers.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number, new bank account number, and routing number ready. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though this typically takes longer than the online or phone route.
The change usually takes effect within one to two pay cycles. Your next payment may still go to your old account if the change processes after the payment has already been sent, so do not close the old account immediately. Wait until you see your payment arrive in the new account before closing anything.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit bank account online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
- The change takes one to two pay cycles to process, so your next payment may still arrive at the old account.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
- Do not close your old bank account until you confirm that at least one payment has arrived in the new account.
Using my Social Security online
Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address and Social Security number. Once logged in, look for the "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" section in your account dashboard.
Click on the option to change your direct deposit information. You will be asked to enter your new bank account number and routing number. Double-check both numbers before submitting — a single digit wrong will send your payment to the wrong place. The system will confirm your changes immediately, and you should receive an email confirmation as well.
If you cannot find the direct deposit section or run into an error, try logging out and logging back in. If the problem persists, switch to the phone or in-person method rather than spending time troubleshooting.
Changing by phone with Social Security
Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, new bank account number, and routing number ready before you call. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit bank account. They will ask you to verify your identity by confirming personal information such as your date of birth or address. Once verified, provide your new bank account and routing number slowly and clearly, and ask the representative to read both numbers back to you to confirm they were entered correctly.
Request a confirmation number for the change. Write it down along with the date and time of your call. This gives you a record if there is a problem later.
Finding your new bank's routing number
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can find it in several places: on the bottom left of any check you have from that account, by calling your bank's customer service line, or on your bank's website in the account settings or FAQ section.
If you are switching to an online bank or credit union, the routing number may be listed in your account setup email or welcome materials. Some online banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction, so make sure you are using the number for direct deposit specifically.
Do not guess or use a number you think might be right. A wrong routing number will send your payment somewhere you cannot access it, and recovering the money takes weeks. Call your bank if you are unsure.
What happens if your payment goes to the wrong account
If your direct deposit arrives in the wrong account due to an error in the routing or account number, contact Social Security immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. The SSA can see where the payment was sent and may be able to recall it, but only if you report it quickly — usually within one or two business days.
If the payment cannot be recalled, Social Security can issue a replacement payment to the correct account, though this process takes longer. In the meantime, contact the bank where the payment went and explain the situation. Some banks will reverse the deposit on your behalf if you can show proof it was sent in error.
To avoid this entirely, verify your account and routing numbers with your bank before submitting them to Social Security. Ask your bank to confirm the numbers are correct for direct deposit.
Timing and when to expect the change
Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a schedule tied to your payment date. If you make the change early in the month, it may take effect with your next scheduled payment. If you change it close to your payment date, the change might not process in time, and your payment will go to the old account instead.
Once the change is processed, you will see your payment arrive in the new account. This is your signal that the change worked. Do not close your old bank account for at least one full pay cycle after seeing the first payment in the new account — some payments may be delayed or batched, and you want to make sure nothing is still being sent to the old account.
If you do not see a payment in your new account within two pay cycles, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through correctly.
Changing your direct deposit if you cannot access my Social Security
If you do not have internet access, cannot remember your password, or have trouble with the online system, the phone method is your next fastest option. You do not need to visit an office in person unless you prefer to or have already tried phone and online without success.
If you are unable to call (for example, due to hearing loss), you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 or visit your local Social Security office. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and a written note with your new bank account and routing numbers. The office staff will update your information and provide you with a receipt.
Local offices have varying hours and may require an appointment. Check ssa.gov/locator to find your nearest office and confirm hours before going.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the change to show up?
The change usually takes effect within one to two pay cycles. Your next payment may still go to your old account if the change processes after the payment has already been sent. Wait until you see at least one payment in the new account before closing the old one.
Can I change my direct deposit to a different person's bank account?
No. Social Security requires that direct deposit go to an account in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the account holder. You cannot have your payment sent to someone else's account, even if they are a family member or caregiver.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can receive your Social Security payment on a prepaid debit card instead of direct deposit. Contact Social Security to ask about the Treasury Retail Inmate Payment card or other approved payment cards. Some community banks and credit unions also offer low-cost or free accounts for people receiving benefits.
Do I need to tell my old bank I am closing the account?
You do not need to tell Social Security, but you should contact your old bank once you are certain no more payments are coming. Most banks will close an account with a zero balance on their own after a period of inactivity, but closing it yourself prevents any confusion or fees.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes. You can change your direct deposit bank account as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to two pay cycles to process, so avoid making multiple changes in quick succession unless necessary.