You can change your direct deposit account by phone, online, or in person at a Social Security office

Social Security processes SSDI payments by direct deposit only — you cannot receive a check. If you need to change the bank account where your payment lands, you have three ways to do it: call Social Security's toll-free number, use your online account at ssa.gov, or visit a local office in person. The change usually takes effect within one to two pay cycles, though it can take longer if you submit the request near a payment date.

You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. If you do not have these, call your bank or log into your online banking portal — they appear on deposit slips and statements. Have your Social Security number ready regardless of which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit changes by phone take about 10 minutes and go into effect within one to two pay cycles.
  • Your online Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you change your bank details yourself without waiting on hold.
  • You need your bank's nine-digit routing number and your full account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app.
  • If you change your account near a payment date, the deposit may still go to your old account — contact Social Security to confirm the timing.
  • Visiting an office in person is slowest but works if you do not have internet access or cannot reach the phone line.

Changing direct deposit by phone

Call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213. Have your routing number and account number ready before you call. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, usually by providing your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account. They will ask for your new bank's routing number and your account number. Read both numbers back to them to confirm — mistakes here mean your payment goes to the wrong place. The representative will give you a confirmation number; write it down.

The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment date, which is usually the third of the month for most SSDI recipients. If you call within a few days of that date, your payment may still go to your old account. Call back to ask when the change will take effect if you are unsure.

Changing direct deposit online through your Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one using your email address and a password. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity through a third-party service — this usually takes a few minutes and requires information like your driver's license number or passport number.

Once you are signed in, look for "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information" in the account menu. Click on it and select "Change Direct Deposit." Enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. The system will ask you to confirm both numbers before you submit.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. The change takes effect on your next payment date. You do not need to call or visit an office — the online method is usually fastest because you avoid phone wait times.

Changing direct deposit in person at a Social Security office

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for the address and hours. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and a document showing your new bank account number — a blank check, a deposit slip, or a bank statement all work.

Tell the receptionist you need to change your direct deposit information. A representative will take your routing number and account number, confirm your identity, and process the change. This method takes longer than phone or online because you have to travel and may wait in line, but it works if you do not have internet access or cannot reach the phone line during business hours.

What happens if your payment goes to the wrong account

If you realize your payment landed in an old account after you changed your direct deposit, contact Social Security when ready. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. Social Security can sometimes recover the payment, but only if you report it quickly — usually within a few days.

If Social Security cannot recover the payment, you will need to contact your old bank directly. Ask them to reverse the deposit or return the funds to Social Security. This process can take weeks. To avoid this, confirm with Social Security when your change takes effect before your next payment date arrives.

Changing direct deposit if you are a representative payee

If someone else manages your SSDI account as your representative payee, they must request the direct deposit change, not you. The payee can call Social Security, use their own online account, or visit an office in person using the same methods described above.

If you believe your payee is mishandling your money or you want to change who your payee is, contact Social Security separately. That is a different process and requires more documentation, but you can start by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking to speak with someone about your representative payee arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a direct deposit change to go into effect?

Usually one to two pay cycles, which means one to two months for most SSDI recipients who receive payment on the third of each month. If you submit the change within a few days of your payment date, it may not take effect until the following month's payment.

What if I do not know my bank's routing number?

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or check. They can give you the nine-digit routing number over the phone. You can also find it on a blank check in the bottom left corner, or log into your bank's website or app.

Can I change my direct deposit to a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. Social Security accepts both checking and savings accounts. You will need the routing number and account number for whichever account you choose. Make sure the account is in your name or your representative payee's name.

What if I change my direct deposit and then change my mind?

You can change it again using any of the three methods — phone, online, or in person. There is no limit to how many times you can change your direct deposit account. Just remember that each change takes one to two pay cycles to take effect.

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

Yes. If you close the account where Social Security has been depositing your payment, contact Social Security right away and provide a new account number. If you do not, your payment will be rejected and you may face delays in receiving your money.