You can change your Social Security deposit account online, by phone, or by mail — the fastest route is the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account
Social Security deposits go to whichever bank account you told them about when you set up direct deposit. If that account closes, you move banks, or you want the money going somewhere else, you need to update your information with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The process takes a few minutes online or a phone call, and the change usually takes effect within one to three business days — though some banks take longer to show the deposit on their end.
You do not need to contact your old bank or your new bank. Social Security handles the routing change on their side. If your old account is still open, Social Security will stop sending money there once the new account is active. If the old account is already closed, any deposits sent to it will bounce back to Social Security, and they will hold the money until you update your information.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change your account is through my Social Security at ssa.gov if you have already created an account and linked it to your bank details.
- You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update your account over the phone.
- By mail, you can send Form SSA-1199-OP4 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) to your local Social Security office, though this route takes two to four weeks.
- Have your new bank's routing number and your new account number ready before you start the process, whether online or by phone.
- If your old account closes before you update Social Security, deposits will be returned and held; updating your information as soon as possible prevents a gap in access to your money.
Changing your account through my Social Security online
Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. If you do not have one, you can create it using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will need to verify your identity through a third-party service (usually by uploading a photo ID or answering security questions).
Once you are logged in, look for the "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information" section. Click on it and select the option to change your bank account. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your new account number. You can find both on a blank check from your new bank, or call the bank's customer service line and ask for them.
After you enter the information, Social Security will show you a summary to confirm. Review it carefully — a wrong routing number or account number will send your deposit to the wrong place. Once you confirm, the change is submitted. Most updates take effect within one to three business days, though some banks take longer to display the deposit in your account.
Changing your account by phone
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY line at 1-800-325-0778. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to change your direct deposit account. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other personal details. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call.
The representative will enter the new information into your account and read it back to you to confirm. Ask them to repeat the routing number and account number so you can verify they heard it correctly. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days.
Changing your account by mail
If you prefer to submit a written request, download or request Form SSA-1199-OP4 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for it to be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your new bank's routing number and account number, sign it, and mail it to your local Social Security office.
You can find your local office address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Mail delivery and processing take time, so expect the change to take two to four weeks from the date you mail the form. If you need the change faster, use the online or phone method instead.
What happens if your old account closes before you update Social Security
If your old bank account closes and Social Security tries to deposit your payment there, the bank will reject the deposit and send it back to Social Security. Social Security will hold the money in a suspense account while they wait for you to provide a new account number.
You will not lose the money, but you will not have access to it until you update your information. Once you provide a new account, Social Security will deposit the held payment plus any future payments to the new account. This can take several business days, so update your account as soon as you know your old one is closing.
Information you need before you start
Gather these details before you change your account online, call, or mail in a form:
- Your new bank's nine-digit routing number (found on a blank check, your bank's website, or by calling the bank)
- Your new account number (also on a blank check or available from your bank)
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- If you are changing someone else's account (as a representative payee or authorized person), proof of your authority to make the change
If you do not have a blank check from your new bank, call the bank's customer service number and ask for the routing number and account number. Most banks provide this information over the phone without requiring you to visit a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the deposit to show up in my new account?
Social Security usually processes the change within one to three business days. However, your new bank may take an additional one to two business days to display the deposit in your account. If you do not see the deposit within five business days of updating your information, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
If you notice the mistake before the next deposit, log back into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 and correct it immediately. If the deposit has already gone to the wrong account, contact that bank and ask them to return the funds. Then update your information with Social Security right away.
Can I change my account if I receive benefits as a representative payee?
No. If someone else is your representative payee (managing your benefits on your behalf), only they can change the account. If you believe the account should be changed, contact your local Social Security office and ask to speak with someone about your representative payee arrangement.
Do I need to tell my old bank that Social Security will stop sending deposits?
No. Social Security will stop sending deposits to your old account once the new one is active. You do not need to contact your old bank. However, if you want to close the old account, you can do so once you confirm the first deposit has arrived in your new account.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You must have an active bank account before you can set up direct deposit with Social Security. Open an account at a bank or credit union, get your routing number and account number, and then update your Social Security information using one of the three methods above.