How to change where your SSDI payment goes

You can change your direct deposit account by contacting Social Security directly — either online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office. Social Security does not process deposit changes through the mail. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles, though it can take longer if you submit the request near a payment date.

The fastest route is your my Social Security account if you already have one set up. If you do not have an account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and lets you make the change when ready without waiting on hold. If you prefer to speak with someone, the Social Security representative line is 1-800-772-1213, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your direct deposit through your my Social Security account online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles, but can take longer if you submit it close to your regular payment date.
  • You will need your new bank account number and routing number ready before you start the process.
  • If you change your deposit account and do not receive a payment on the expected date, contact Social Security within three days to report the missing deposit.

Changing your deposit through my Social Security online

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and a password. You will also need to verify your identity — Social Security will ask you questions based on your credit history or send a verification code to your email.

Once you are logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu. 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 account number. Double-check both before you submit — a wrong digit will send your payment to the wrong account.

After you submit the change online, you should see a confirmation message. Social Security will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days. Keep this letter in case you need to prove when you requested the change.

Changing your deposit by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready. The representative will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing personal information.

The representative will read back the new account information to you before submitting the change. Listen carefully — if they read it wrong, stop them and correct it on the spot. Ask them for a confirmation number and write it down.

You should receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days. If you do not receive one within two weeks, call back and reference your confirmation number to check the status.

Changing your deposit in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your new bank account. Acceptable proof includes a blank check, a bank statement, or a letter from your bank showing your account number and routing number. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Tell the representative at the front desk that you want to change your direct deposit. They will direct you to the right window or give you a number to wait for. The representative will enter your new account information into the system while you watch and will give you a receipt with a confirmation number.

How long the change takes to take effect

Social Security processes deposit changes in batches, usually once or twice a week. If you submit your change early in the week, it may take effect on your next scheduled payment date. If you submit it late in the week or close to your payment date, it may not process until the following month's payment.

Your payment schedule depends on your birth date. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday. If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you are paid on the third Wednesday. If you were born on the 21st or later, you are paid on the fourth Wednesday. Check your payment date before you submit a change so you know when to expect the deposit in your new account.

What to do if your payment does not arrive

If your payment does not arrive in your new account on the expected date, contact Social Security within three days. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Have your confirmation number ready if you have one.

Social Security will investigate where the payment went. If it was sent to your old account by mistake, the bank can sometimes reverse it and send it to the new account. If the payment was lost in the system, Social Security can issue a replacement check or reissue the deposit to your new account. Do not wait more than three days — the longer you wait, the harder it is to trace the payment.

Changing your deposit if you do not have a bank account

Social Security requires a bank account, credit union account, or prepaid debit card account to receive direct deposit. You cannot have payments sent to a savings account only — it must be a checking account or an account that allows electronic transfers.

If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with just a photo ID and a small opening deposit (often $25 or less). Some banks offer accounts with no monthly fee. Once your account is open and you have your routing number and account number, you can set up direct deposit using the steps above.

If you cannot open a bank account, Social Security can issue your payment by check instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to change from direct deposit to check payment. Checks are mailed on your regular payment date and usually arrive within three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit to someone else's bank account?

No. Social Security requires that direct deposit go to an account in your name only. If you need someone else to manage your money, you can set up a representative payee through Social Security, but the account must still be registered to you.

What if I submit a change and then change my mind before it takes effect?

Call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to cancel the pending change. If the change has already been processed, you will need to submit a new change request to go back to your old account. This can delay your next payment by one or two cycles.

Do I need to notify Social Security if I close my old bank account?

You should change your direct deposit before you close the old account. If you close it after Social Security has already switched your deposit, the payment will bounce and you will need to contact Social Security to reissue it. It is safer to set up the new account first, change the deposit, and then close the old one once you confirm the payment arrived.

Can I have my SSDI payment split between two accounts?

No. Social Security only allows one direct deposit account per person. Your entire monthly payment must go to a single checking or savings account.

How do I know if my change went through?

Check your my Social Security account — it will show your current direct deposit information. You can also wait for the confirmation letter in the mail, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to read back the account on file. Do not assume the change worked just because you submitted it.