How to update your bank account information with Social Security
Social Security will deposit your benefits to whichever bank account you tell them to use. If you want to change that account—because you switched banks, closed an account, or need to redirect deposits—you contact Social Security directly, not your bank. The fastest way is online through your my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can call Social Security or visit a local office in person.
The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles, though Social Security warns it can take up to two weeks. If you are switching banks and worried about a missed deposit, contact your old bank to ask if they will still accept and forward Social Security deposits briefly, or ask Social Security when your next deposit is scheduled so you know what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- You change your bank account through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person—not through your bank.
- The my Social Security online account is the fastest method and shows you confirmation immediately.
- Changes take one to two pay cycles to take effect, though Social Security allows up to two weeks.
- You will need your routing number and account number from your new bank before you start.
- If you do not have direct deposit set up yet, Social Security can add it at the same time you change accounts.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create it on the same page using your email, Social Security number, and a password. Once you are logged in, look for "Manage Your Benefits" or a similar menu option, then select the option to change your direct deposit information.
You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually eight to twelve digits). Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for them. Enter the information, review it for accuracy, and submit. You should see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email confirmation as well.
Keep that email confirmation. If something goes wrong with your next deposit, you will have proof of when you made the change and what account you entered.
Changing your account by phone
Call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213. Have your routing number and account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other personal information. Tell them you want to change your direct deposit account.
The representative will enter your new bank information into the system and read it back to you to confirm. Ask them to repeat the routing and account numbers so you can verify they entered them correctly. Request a confirmation number or reference number for your records. The change will take effect within one to two pay cycles.
Social Security's phone lines are busiest early in the month and on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you reach a long wait, try calling on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon, or later in the month.
Changing your account in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card if you have it, and a blank check or a piece of paper with your new bank's routing number and your account number written on it. Walk in during business hours or call ahead to ask about wait times.
Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account. They will enter the information, show you what they entered, and give you a receipt. Keep the receipt until you see the change reflected in your next deposit.
What happens if you enter the wrong account number
If you accidentally give Social Security the wrong routing number or account number, your deposit will go to the wrong bank account. This can happen if you misread a number or if your bank gave you incorrect information. The deposit may be rejected by the wrong bank, or it may sit in an account you cannot access.
Contact Social Security immediately if you realize the mistake before your next deposit. Call 1-800-772-1213 or log into my Social Security and correct the information. If the deposit already went to the wrong account, contact that bank and explain the situation. Many banks can reverse the deposit or forward it to the correct account, but you may need to provide proof that the deposit was sent in error.
If the wrong bank keeps the money, you will need to contact Social Security in writing to report the error and request a replacement check or reissued deposit. This process can take several weeks, so correcting the account number before the next deposit is much faster.
Switching banks without losing a deposit
If you are closing your old bank account and opening a new one, time the change to avoid a missed or misdirected deposit. Find out when your next Social Security deposit is scheduled—you can see this in my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Most people receive deposits on the third, fourth, or fifth of the month, depending on their birth date.
Change your account information with Social Security at least five business days before that deposit date. This gives Social Security time to process the change and ensures your next deposit goes to your new account. Do not close your old bank account until at least one deposit has successfully arrived at the new account.
If you are worried about timing, call your old bank and ask if they will accept and forward Social Security deposits for a short period after you close the account. Some banks do this as a courtesy, though they may charge a fee. Knowing this option exists can reduce stress while you wait for the first deposit to arrive at your new bank.
If you do not have direct deposit yet
Social Security can set up direct deposit to any U.S. bank account, credit union account, or prepaid card account that accepts ACH deposits. If you have never had direct deposit before, you can set it up through my Social Security, by phone, or in person using the same methods described above. You will need the routing number and account number from your financial institution.
If you do not have a bank account, you can receive your benefits by check or by prepaid debit card instead. Ask Social Security about the Direct Express card, a government-issued prepaid card designed for people who receive federal benefits. You can also ask about local banks or credit unions that offer low-cost or free checking accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a bank account change to go into effect?
Social Security says changes take one to two pay cycles, which is usually one to two months depending on your deposit schedule. In practice, most changes take effect within one to two weeks. Do not assume the change is complete until you see your next deposit arrive in the new account.
Can I change my bank account if I receive benefits on behalf of someone else?
If you are a representative payee—meaning you manage benefits for a child or someone who cannot manage their own benefits—you can change the account through my Social Security or by calling Social Security. You will need to verify your identity and your relationship to the beneficiary. The account can be in your name or a joint account, but Social Security may ask questions about how the money is being used.
What if my new bank rejects the deposit?
This can happen if the routing number or account number is wrong, or if your new account is not set up to receive ACH deposits. Contact your bank immediately and ask why the deposit was rejected. They can tell you the correct routing number and whether your account type accepts direct deposits. Then contact Social Security and correct the information.
Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security will be depositing money?
No. Your bank automatically accepts ACH deposits to any account you own. You do not need permission from your bank or advance notice. Just make sure the account is open and active before you give Social Security the account number.
Can I have Social Security deposit to two different accounts?
No. Social Security deposits your entire benefit to one account only. If you want to split your benefit between two accounts, you would need to transfer money yourself after the deposit arrives, or set up automatic transfers through your bank.