How to change your Social Security bank account
You change your Social Security bank account through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through your bank. The SSA holds your account information and controls where your monthly payment goes. You can update it online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The change usually takes one to three business days to process, though the SSA recommends allowing up to a week before your next payment arrives in the new account.
The fastest route is online if you already have a my Social Security account set up. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file). Once you are logged in, you can change your bank account information without calling or visiting an office.
Key Takeaways
- You update your bank account through the SSA's my Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213, not through your bank.
- Online changes through my Social Security typically process within one to three business days.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number to complete the change.
- If you do not have direct deposit set up yet, the SSA can also mail you a paper check to a new address while you arrange banking details.
- Changes made before the 10th of the month usually take effect with that month's payment; changes after the 10th typically apply to the following month's payment.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov and select "my Social Security" in the top right corner. If you already have an account, sign in with your email and password. If you do not have one, select "Create an account" and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using either a phone number or address the SSA has on file.
Once you are logged in, select "Manage my benefits" and then look for the option to change your payment information or direct deposit details. Enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code unique to your bank) and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake here means your payment goes to the wrong account and you will have to contact the SSA to correct it.
After you submit the change, you will see a confirmation message on screen. The SSA will also send you an email confirming the update. Keep that email for your records. Your new bank account should receive your next scheduled payment within one to three business days, though the SSA recommends waiting up to a week to be certain.
Changing your account by phone or in person
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your new bank's routing number and your account number ready before you call. The wait time varies depending on the time of day and how busy the office is — calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity and then update your account information in their system.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your new bank account information. An employee will update your account on the spot, and you will receive a receipt showing the change was made. This route takes longer overall because you have to travel and wait, but some people prefer it because they can ask questions face-to-face and leave with proof the change was completed.
What information you need to have ready
Before you contact the SSA, gather the following details about your new bank account:
- Your new bank's routing number (nine digits, found on the bottom left of a check or on your bank's website)
- Your new account number (usually 10 to 12 digits, also on your checks or in your online banking portal)
- Whether the account is checking or savings
- Your Social Security number
If you do not have a check or cannot find your account number online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. They can provide them in seconds. Do not guess or use a number you think is correct — the SSA will not process the change if the numbers do not match your bank's records, and your payment will fail to deposit.
Timing: when the change takes effect
The SSA processes changes based on when you submit them relative to your payment date. Social Security payments are issued on a schedule: most people receive payments on the third Wednesday of each month, though some receive them on the second or fourth Wednesday depending on their birth date.
If you change your bank account before the 10th of the month, the change usually takes effect with that month's payment. If you change it after the 10th, it typically applies to the following month's payment. For example, if your payment date is the 15th and you change your account on the 8th, your next payment goes to the new account. If you change it on the 12th, your payment on the 15th still goes to your old account, and the new account receives the payment in the following month.
The SSA recommends allowing up to a week after you make the change before your payment arrives, even though most changes process in one to three business days. If your payment does not arrive in the new account within a week of your scheduled payment date, contact the SSA to confirm the change went through.
What to do if your payment goes to the wrong account
If you made a mistake entering your account number or routing number, or if the change did not process correctly, your payment may deposit into your old account or fail to deposit at all. Call the SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. Have your bank account information ready so they can correct it.
The SSA can reverse a misdirected payment and resend it to the correct account, but this takes time — usually several business days. In the meantime, contact your old bank and ask them to return the payment to the SSA. If the payment went to an account you no longer control, your bank can help you file a claim to recover the funds, though this process is slower and more complicated.
To avoid this situation, verify your routing number and account number twice before you submit the change. Call your bank if you are unsure, or log into your online banking portal and confirm the numbers match what you are entering into my Social Security.
Changing your mailing address instead of your bank account
If you do not have a bank account or do not want to set up direct deposit, you can ask the SSA to mail you a paper check instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office and tell them you want to receive your payment by check. You can also update your mailing address through my Social Security if you are moving and want your checks sent to a new location.
Paper checks take longer to arrive than direct deposit — typically five to seven business days after they are mailed. If you are moving, update your address with the SSA at least two weeks before your move so your check does not go to your old address. You can change your address online through my Social Security, by phone, or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office without having an online account. Creating a my Social Security account is optional but faster if you want to make changes yourself without waiting on the phone.
How long does it take for a bank account change to show up?
Most changes process within one to three business days. The SSA recommends waiting up to a week before your next payment to be certain the change took effect. If your payment does not arrive in the new account within a week of your scheduled payment date, contact the SSA.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 right away and provide the correct information. They can correct the error, but if a payment already went to the wrong account, recovering it takes longer. Always verify both numbers twice before submitting the change.
Can I change my bank account on the day my payment is supposed to arrive?
You can submit the change, but it will not take effect in time for that day's payment. Changes submitted after the 10th of the month typically apply to the following month's payment. If you need your payment urgently, contact the SSA about other options.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is changing where it sends my payment?
No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Once the SSA sends the payment to your new account, your bank will accept it automatically. You do not need to do anything on your bank's end.