Yes, you can change your bank account online through your Social Security account
You can update your bank account information for Social Security deposits through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. The process takes a few minutes and the change usually takes effect within one to two business days. You do not need to call or visit an office unless you do not have an online account set up yet.
Social Security deposits go to whichever bank account you have on file. If you want to switch banks, move to a different account at the same bank, or correct account information that is wrong, you can make that change yourself online without waiting for a representative.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, go to "Manage Direct Deposit," and enter your new bank routing number and account number.
- The change takes effect within one to two business days, so your next deposit will go to the new account unless you change it again before then.
- If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to update your bank information by phone or in person.
- Social Security will send a confirmation letter to your mailing address after the change is processed, so keep it for your records.
- If your deposit does not arrive on the expected date after you change accounts, contact your bank first to confirm they received the routing and account numbers correctly.
How to update your bank account through my Social Security
Start by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your username, password, and a one-time code sent to your phone or email. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address.
Once you are logged in, look for the section labeled "Manage Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information." Click on it and select the option to change or update your direct deposit. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of the specific account where you want deposits to go).
You can find both numbers on a blank check from your new bank, or call the bank and ask for them. Some banks also show this information in their online banking portal under account details. Enter both numbers carefully — a mistake in either one can send your deposit to the wrong place.
After you submit the change, Social Security will show you a confirmation screen. Write down or take a screenshot of the confirmation number and the date you made the change. Social Security will also mail a confirmation letter to your address on file within a few days.
When the change takes effect and what to expect
Your new bank account information goes into Social Security's system within one to two business days. Your next scheduled deposit will go to the new account. If your regular deposit date is coming up soon, the change may not take effect in time — Social Security processes deposits several days before the payment date, so a change made close to your deposit date might not go through until the following month.
Check your new bank account on your regular Social Security payment date to confirm the deposit arrived. If it does not show up within two business days of the expected date, contact your bank first. Ask them to confirm they have the correct routing number and account number on file. If the bank says the information is correct, then contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the missing deposit.
Do not close your old bank account immediately after making the change. Wait at least one full payment cycle (usually one month) to make sure deposits are going to the new account consistently. If Social Security still has the old account information in its system for any reason, you want that account to remain open so the deposit does not bounce.
Changing your account if you do not have an online Social Security account
If you have never created a my Social Security account or prefer not to use one, you can update your bank information by phone or in person. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready.
The representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other information. They will then update your account in the system. The change takes the same one to two business days to process as an online change does.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person to make the change. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a piece of identification and a blank check or written note with your new routing number and account number. An employee will update your information while you wait.
What to do if your deposit goes to the wrong account
If you changed your account information but your deposit went to your old account instead, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain that your deposit was sent to the wrong account. Social Security can sometimes recall the deposit or work with your old bank to reverse it, but this works best if you report it within a few days.
Your old bank may also be able to help. Call them and explain that a Social Security deposit was sent to your account by mistake. Ask if they can reverse the transaction or redirect it to your new account. Banks have different policies on this, but many will cooperate if you ask quickly.
If the deposit cannot be recovered, Social Security can issue a replacement payment. This usually takes one to two weeks. The representative you speak with can start the process and give you a case number to track.
Changing your account multiple times or correcting errors
You can change your bank account as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can update your direct deposit information. If you made a mistake when entering your routing or account number, log back into my Social Security and correct it right away. The sooner you fix it, the less likely your next deposit will go to the wrong place.
If you are switching banks and your old bank is closing your account, make sure you change your Social Security direct deposit before the account closes. Once an account is closed, any deposit sent to it will be rejected and returned to Social Security. You will then have to wait for a replacement check or resubmit your direct deposit information.
If you are unsure whether your change went through, log back into my Social Security and check the "Manage Direct Deposit" section. It will show the bank account currently on file. If it still shows your old account, try updating it again or call Social Security to confirm the change was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a bank account change to show up in my Social Security account online?
The change usually appears in your my Social Security account within a few hours to one business day. Your next deposit will go to the new account within one to two business days after that. If you see the new account information in your online account but your deposit still goes to the old account, contact Social Security to report it.
What if I do not know my new bank's routing number?
Call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. You can also find the routing number on a blank check — it is the first set of numbers at the bottom left. Some banks also display this information in their mobile app or online banking portal under account details or settings.
Can I change my account the day before my Social Security payment is due?
You can make the change, but it may not take effect in time for the next deposit. Social Security processes deposits several days before the payment date. If you change your account too close to the payment date, your deposit will likely still go to your old account. The change will take effect for the following month's payment instead.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
Your deposit will go to the wrong account, and you will need to contact Social Security to report it and request a replacement payment. This can delay your money by one to two weeks. Always double-check your routing and account numbers before submitting the change, and verify the first deposit arrived in the correct account before closing your old account.
Do I need to tell Social Security if I am switching to a different account at the same bank?
Yes, you must update your account number even if you are staying with the same bank. Social Security deposits go to the specific account number on file. If you open a new account at the same bank and do not update Social Security, your deposits will continue going to your old account until you change it.