Change Your Direct Deposit Through My Social Security
You can change where your SSDI payments go by logging into your My Social Security account online. This is the fastest way to update your bank details, and the change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles — typically one to three weeks depending on when you submit the request and your bank's processing time.
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username, password, and a one-time code sent to your email or phone. Once logged in, look for "Change Direct Deposit Information" or "Manage Direct Deposit" in the account menu. You will need your new bank account number, routing number, and the type of account (checking or savings). Have these details ready before you start.
After you enter your new account information and submit, Social Security sends a confirmation message to your My Social Security inbox. Keep this confirmation. Your next payment will go to the new account unless you made the change very close to your payment date — in that case, one more payment may arrive at the old account while the system processes the switch.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security is the primary way to change direct deposit, and you can do it from home without calling or visiting an office.
- You need your new bank's routing number and account number, and you must specify whether the account is checking or savings.
- Changes take one to three weeks to process, so plan ahead if you are closing an old account.
- If you cannot use My Social Security, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office in person to request the change.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Gather these details from your new bank account before you log into My Social Security. Your bank statement or online banking portal will show both pieces of information.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. It appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can search for it on your bank's website by typing "[Bank Name] routing number" into a search engine. The account number is unique to your specific account and appears on your checks and statements. Make sure you copy it exactly — even one wrong digit will send your payment to the wrong place.
You will also need to tell Social Security whether the account is checking or savings. This matters because the payment system routes money differently depending on the account type. If you are unsure, check your account paperwork or call your bank.
Changing Direct Deposit by Phone or In Person
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use My Social Security, you can request a direct deposit change by phone or in person. Call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, new routing number, and new account number ready when you call.
The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions, then will update your direct deposit information in the system. They will give you a confirmation number — write it down. Ask them when the change will take effect and whether your next payment will go to the old or new account.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and written proof of your new bank account (a recent statement or a letter from your bank showing your name, account number, and routing number). The office staff will process the change while you wait and give you a receipt.
What Happens If You Submit the Change Too Close to Your Payment Date
Social Security processes direct deposit changes on a schedule tied to your payment date. If you submit a change fewer than three business days before your payment is scheduled to go out, the system may not have time to process it. In that case, your payment will go to your old account, and the new account will receive the following month's payment.
This is not a problem — your money is not lost. However, if you are closing the old account, you need to know this timing so you do not accidentally close it before the final payment arrives. When you submit your change, ask Social Security or check My Social Security for confirmation of when the new account will start receiving payments.
If a payment does go to the old account by mistake, contact your old bank and ask them to reverse the deposit or redirect it to your new account. Most banks can do this if you act within a few days. You can also contact Social Security to report the error, though the bank is usually faster.
Fixing a Direct Deposit Error
If you entered the wrong routing number or account number, or if your payment went to the wrong place, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 or log back into My Social Security to correct the information. The sooner you report the error, the sooner the next payment can be rerouted.
If money went to an account that is not yours, contact that bank when ready and explain that the deposit was sent in error. The bank can reverse it or hold it while you and Social Security sort out the mistake. Do not assume the money will stay there — banks have procedures for handling misdirected deposits, and you want to be involved in that process.
Keep your confirmation number or a screenshot of your My Social Security confirmation message. If there is a dispute about whether you requested the change, this proof shows when and how you made the request.
Changing Direct Deposit If You Are a Representative Payee
If someone else manages your SSDI payments as your representative payee, they — not you — have the authority to change where the money goes. The payee must make the change through their own My Social Security account or by calling Social Security.
If you are the beneficiary and you want the payments to go somewhere different, you will need to request a change in payee status or ask your current payee to make the change on your behalf. If you believe your payee is mishandling your money, you can report this to Social Security and request that the payee be removed. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation with a representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?
Most changes take one to three weeks. If you submit the change at least three business days before your payment date, it may take effect on your next scheduled payment. If you submit it closer to your payment date, the change usually takes effect the following month. Your bank may also add a day or two to process the incoming deposit.
Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a bank account yet?
No — Social Security requires a valid bank account to set up direct deposit. If you do not have one, open a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union first, then update your direct deposit information. Until you do, Social Security will mail you a paper check instead.
What if my bank account was closed and I did not update Social Security?
Your payment will be returned to Social Security as undeliverable. Social Security will then mail you a paper check to the address on file. Contact Social Security as soon as you realize this happened and provide your new bank details so future payments go to your new account instead of being mailed.
Do I need to notify Social Security if I am switching banks but keeping the same account type?
Yes. Even if you are moving from one checking account to another checking account, you must update your routing number and account number in My Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The routing number identifies which bank the money goes to, so an old routing number will send your payment to your old bank, not your new one.
Can I set up direct deposit to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When you enter your account information in My Social Security or tell a representative on the phone, specify that it is a savings account. Social Security will process the payment the same way — the difference is only in how your bank categorizes the account on their end.