You can change your direct deposit bank account through Social Security's online portal, by phone, or in person at a local office
Social Security lets you change where your monthly payment goes without reapplying or losing benefits. The change takes effect within one to two pay cycles, though the exact timing depends on which method you use and when you submit the request. You'll need your new bank account number and routing number ready before you start, and you should expect a small test deposit to verify the account is real.
The fastest route is usually the online portal if you already have a my Social Security account. If you don't have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address and phone number. Phone and in-person changes work too, but they take longer to process because a staff member has to enter the information manually.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account online through my Social Security, by calling Social Security's toll-free line at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- Your new bank account number and routing number must be correct, or the payment will fail and you may face a delay in receiving your next check.
- Social Security will send a small test deposit (usually $0.01 to $0.99) to your new account to confirm it exists and is in your name before the full payment starts.
- The change typically takes one to two pay cycles to complete, so plan ahead if you're switching banks to avoid a gap in your deposits.
- If you change your account and the first payment fails, Social Security will try to redeposit it, but you should contact them when ready to confirm the new account details are correct.
Changing your account online through my Social Security
Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. If you don't have one, you can create it on the same page using your email address, phone number, and Social Security number. You'll need to verify your identity through ID.me, which takes a few minutes and uses your driver's license or passport.
Once you're logged in, go to "Manage Your Benefits" and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." Enter your new bank account number and routing number. Double-check both numbers against a blank check or your bank's website — a single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail. Select whether the account is checking or savings, then review the information and submit.
Social Security will send a test deposit within one to three business days. Check your new account for a small amount (usually less than $1) and confirm it arrived. Your regular benefit payment will start going to the new account on the next scheduled payment date after the test deposit clears, which is typically within one to two weeks.
Changing your account by phone
Call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your new bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings) ready. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and date of birth, and may ask additional security questions.
The representative will enter your new account information into the system and confirm what they've recorded. Ask them to repeat the account number and routing number back to you to catch any errors before they submit. They'll tell you when to expect the test deposit and when your regular payment will switch over.
Phone changes usually take three to five business days to process because the information has to be entered manually and reviewed. If you're in a time-sensitive situation, the online method is faster.
Changing your account in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office with a blank check from your new account or your bank's routing and account information written down. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
A staff member will verify your identity and enter your new account details into the system. They'll give you a receipt showing the change was submitted. In-person changes take the same amount of time as phone changes — three to five business days — because the information still has to be processed through the system.
What happens if the new account information is wrong
If you enter an incorrect account number or routing number, the deposit will fail. Social Security will attempt to redeposit the payment, but it may take several days. In the meantime, you won't see the money in your account.
If this happens, contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and confirm that your account information is correct in their system. Have your bank verify that no deposit attempt was made to your account. Social Security can manually resubmit the payment once the correct information is in place, but this process can take one to two weeks.
To avoid this, verify your account number and routing number against a blank check or your bank's website before submitting the change. Many banks also let you find this information in their mobile app or online banking portal.
Timing: when your first payment hits the new account
Social Security pays on a schedule based on your birth date. If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of any month, you're paid on the second Wednesday of each month. If you were born on the 11th through the 20th, you're paid on the third Wednesday. If you were born on the 21st or later, you're paid on the fourth Wednesday.
Your change takes effect on the next scheduled payment date after the test deposit clears. If you submit your change on the 1st of the month and your payment date is the 10th, the new account will receive the payment on the 10th. If your payment date is the 5th and you submit on the 8th, you may not see the deposit in the new account until the following month's payment date.
Check the Social Security website or your my Social Security account to see your exact payment date. Plan your change at least one week before you need the money in the new account to give the system time to process.
What to do if you're closing your current bank account
If you're switching banks entirely, change your direct deposit before you close the old account. This prevents a situation where Social Security tries to deposit to an account that no longer exists. Once the account is closed, the bank will reject the deposit and Social Security will have to resubmit it, which delays your payment by several days.
If you've already closed the old account and Social Security is still trying to deposit there, call them at 1-800-772-1213 and update your account information when ready. They can resubmit the payment to your new account, but it will take time to process.
Some banks will hold a rejected deposit for a short period before returning it to Social Security. Ask your old bank how long they hold rejected deposits so you know when to expect the money to be resubmitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my direct deposit account?
Online changes through my Social Security usually take one to two weeks from submission to the first payment in your new account. Phone and in-person changes take three to five business days to process, then another week or so until the payment appears. The exact timing depends on when you submit the change relative to your payment date.
What if I don't have a blank check from my new bank?
You don't need a physical check. Log into your new bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details" or "Routing Information." Your routing number and account number are listed there. Write them down and use them when you change your direct deposit. If you can't find this information online, call your bank's customer service line.
Can I change my direct deposit if I'm not the account holder?
No. The account must be in your name or in your name jointly with someone else. Social Security will not deposit to an account that belongs only to another person, even if you have permission to use it. This is a fraud prevention measure.
What if my payment fails to deposit to the new account?
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 right away and confirm your account number and routing number are correct in their system. Have your bank confirm whether a deposit attempt was made. Social Security will resubmit the payment, which usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can ask Social Security about emergency payment options if you need the money urgently.
Can I change my direct deposit more than once?
Yes. You can change your account as many times as you need to. Each change follows the same process and timeline. If you're switching banks frequently, consider waiting until you've settled on a permanent account before making the change, since each switch involves a test deposit and a processing delay.