Update your bank account information directly with Social Security
You can change the bank account where Social Security deposits your check through three methods: online at your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — changes usually take effect within one or two business days. Phone and in-person changes may take up to a week.
You will need your routing number and account number from the bank you want to switch to. Social Security does not require you to close your old account first; you can keep it open or close it after the first deposit hits the new one. If you are switching banks entirely, make sure your new account is set up and active before you start the change process.
Social Security only deposits to checking or savings accounts in your name. You cannot direct deposits to a joint account, a representative payee's account, or a prepaid card account — though some prepaid cards have routing and account numbers that work like a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
- Online changes usually take one to two business days; phone and in-person changes may take up to a week.
- You need your new bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a blank check or your bank's website.
- Social Security deposits only to accounts in your own name, not joint accounts or accounts held by someone else.
- Your old account does not need to be closed before the switch, but you should confirm the first deposit arrives in the new account before closing it.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username, password, and a one-time code sent to your email or phone. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one on the same page using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
Once logged in, look for "Manage Your Benefits" or "Payment Information" — the exact wording varies by account type, but it is always in the main menu. Select the option to change your direct deposit or bank account. Enter your new bank's routing number and your account number, then confirm the information is correct before submitting.
Social Security will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your first deposit to the new account should arrive within one or two business days. If you do not see a deposit within three business days, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the change went through.
Changing your account by phone or in person
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your routing number and account number ready. A representative will update your information over the phone and give you a confirmation number. Write it down — you may need it if there is a delay.
If you prefer to do this in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a blank check from your new bank, your bank statement, or a letter from your bank showing your routing and account numbers. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to check wait times.
Phone and in-person changes usually take up to a week to process. If your regular payment date is coming up soon, make the change at least five business days before to reduce the risk of a missed deposit.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you write — the routing number comes first, then your account number.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details" or "Account Information." Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing and account numbers; they will verify your identity and give them to you over the phone.
Do not use a debit card number or credit card number — Social Security needs the bank account numbers, not card numbers. If you are unsure which numbers to use, ask your bank directly rather than guessing.
What happens during the transition between accounts
Social Security will continue depositing to your old account until the change is fully processed. Once the system switches over, all future deposits go to the new account. You may see a deposit to the old account and a deposit to the new account in the same month if the change processes mid-cycle — this is normal and not a duplicate payment.
Keep your old account open for at least one full month after the change, even if you do not see another deposit. Some banks hold deposits for a day or two, and you want to be able to access the money if there is a delay. Once you have confirmed that two or three deposits have arrived in the new account without issue, you can close the old account if you want to.
If a deposit goes to the wrong account by mistake, contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213. They can sometimes reverse the deposit and resend it to the correct account, but the faster you report it, the better your chances.
Changing your account if you have a representative payee
If someone else manages your Social Security benefits as your representative payee, they control the bank account information, not you. The payee must request the change themselves by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local office. They will need to provide proof that they are your payee, such as a Social Security letter showing their name.
If you believe your payee is mishandling your money or you want to change who your payee is, contact Social Security directly. You can request a change of payee or ask Social Security to review whether you still need one. This process is separate from changing a bank account and takes longer.
Troubleshooting a failed or delayed bank account change
If your deposit does not arrive in the new account within three business days of the change, call 1-800-772-1213 and have your confirmation number ready. Social Security can check whether the change was processed correctly and whether there is a problem with the routing or account number you provided.
Common reasons for delays include a typo in the routing or account number, a mismatch between the account name and your Social Security record, or a bank system that is slow to accept incoming deposits. If the number was wrong, Social Security can correct it immediately, and your next deposit should go to the right place.
If Social Security says the change went through but your bank says it never received a deposit, contact your bank's customer service. Ask them to check whether deposits from Social Security are being rejected or held. Some banks flag government deposits as suspicious and require you to confirm them before they post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account if I am on representative payee status?
No — your representative payee controls the bank account information. They must request the change by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office. If you want to change payees or stop having one, contact Social Security directly to start that process.
How long does it take for a bank account change to take effect?
Online changes through my Social Security usually take one to two business days. Phone and in-person changes may take up to a week. If your regular payment date is within five business days, make the change as soon as possible to avoid a missed deposit.
What if I close my old bank account before the change is complete?
If Social Security tries to deposit to a closed account, the deposit will be rejected and returned to Social Security. You will then need to contact them to resubmit the payment to your new account, which delays your money by several days. Keep the old account open for at least a month after the change.
Can I change my bank account to a joint account?
No. Social Security only deposits to accounts in your name alone. If you want someone else to access the money, you can add them as an authorized user on your account after the deposit arrives, but the account itself must be in your name.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as you realize the mistake. Social Security can correct it before your next deposit date. If a deposit already went to the wrong account, Social Security may be able to reverse it, but the sooner you report it, the better.