How Do I Change My Social Security Direct Deposit? (Online + Phone Steps)

Quick Answer Summary

You can change your Social Security direct deposit online by signing in to your my Social Security account and updating your bank details (you may also be able to choose when the change takes effect).

If you need to do it by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time; some callers may need a one-time code from SSA to complete the change by phone. Keep your old account open until you see your first successful deposit in the new account. Social Security+2Social Security+2

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Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Have this information ready (it makes the process smooth and avoids a “call back later” situation):

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  Bank routing number (9 digits)

• Account number

• Account type (checking or savings)

• A way to sign in to my Social Security (if updating online)

• Your current direct deposit info (helpful if you’re calling—SSA may ask for verification) Social Security

Who can change direct deposit online?

In general, people receiving Social Security Retirement, Survivors, or Disability (RSDI) can update direct deposit online through my Social Security. Online direct-deposit changes aren’t available in every situation (for example, SSA notes limits for some benefit types and certain address situations). Social Security+1

If you receive SSI, SSA may direct you to handle changes by phone or through other steps depending on your situation. Social Security Matters+1

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Option 1: Change Direct Deposit Online (Recommended)

This is the option I recommend first because it’s straightforward, creates a clear trail, and you avoid hold times.

1. Go to the my Social Security sign-in page on SSA.gov and sign in (or create an account). Social Security

2. Navigate to your profile/payment area where SSA lets you update direct deposit (often shown under a “My Profile” or similar section). Social Security+1

3. Enter your new routing number and account number, confirm the account type, and review carefully before submitting. Social Security

4. If shown, choose when the change takes effect (some users are given an effective-date option). Social Security

5. Save/print your confirmation screen for your records.

My opinion: If you’re able to use the online option, do it. It’s the cleanest way to reduce errors like transposed digits and gives you immediate confidence that your request went through. Social Security

Important 2025 sign-in note

SSA has moved to Login.gov and ID.me as the sign-in options for accessing online services (the old username/password sign-in was removed). Social Security

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Option 2: Change Direct Deposit by Phone (When Online Isn’t an Option)

You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time. SSA notes that wait times are often shorter early in the day, later in the week, and later in the month. Social Security

The “one-time code” step (very important)

SSA has also described a process where you may need to get a one-time code online and then provide it to the representative to complete a direct deposit change by phone. Social Security+1

Phone call tip: Have your routing/account numbers in front of you and read them slowly. A single wrong digit can bounce your payment back and create a stressful delay.

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Option 3: Update Through Your Bank or In Person (Backup Options)

If online and phone options don’t work for your situation, SSA lists other ways to set up or change direct deposit, including working with your financial institution or visiting a Social Security field office. Social Security+1

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How Long Does It Take for the Change to Kick In?

SSA’s systems and anti-fraud checks can affect timing, and it may depend on your benefit type and where you are in the payment cycle. Practically, the safest approach is this:

• Assume at least one payment cycle could be affected.

• Keep your old account open until you see the first successful deposit in the new account.

• If you’re close to payday, consider waiting until right after your payment arrives to submit the change, so you’re not racing the clock.

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Real-Life Examples (What This Looks Like)

Example 1 (online change):
James switches from a big bank to a credit union. The day his December payment arrives, he signs in to my Social Security, updates the routing/account numbers, saves the confirmation, and keeps the old account open for one more month—just in case.

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Example 2 (phone change + one-time code):
Angela doesn’t feel comfortable doing banking updates online. She generates SSA’s one-time code, calls the national number early Thursday morning, and gives the representative her code plus her new bank details to finish the update. Social Security+1

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Direct Deposit Facts (Why This Matters)

Direct deposit is essentially the standard now. SSA’s own reporting shows direct deposit participation around 99%+ (for example, SSA’s state summary tables show most states around 99.4%–99.7% direct deposit). Social Security
That’s why it’s worth doing this carefully: a single account mismatch can be the difference between “paid on time” and “payment returned.”

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Troubleshooting: If Something Goes Wrong

“My online update won’t let me complete it.”

SSA notes that depending on your benefit type, you may need to call to complete the task. Social Security

“I’m worried my next payment will be sent to the wrong place.”

• Keep the old account open if possible.

• If you can’t keep it open, call SSA right away and explain you’re trying to prevent a missed payment. Social Security

“I don’t have a bank account.”

SSA points people to electronic payment options and related resources (including prepaid card options/waivers in rare cases). Social Security

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Checklists

Quick checklist (online)

Quick checklist (phone)

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FAQs

Can I change direct deposit and my address at the same time?

Often yes. SSA explains you can change your U.S. mailing address or direct deposit information online through your my Social Security profile. Social Security

What if I receive SSI?

SSA provides SSI-specific reporting guidance and notes direct deposit changes can be handled by calling the national number, with routing/account details available. SSA has also described a one-time-code process for phone changes in certain cases. Social Security+1

What are the best times to call Social Security?

SSA says wait times are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. Social Security

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Sources

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Video Section

• How To: Change or Sign Up for Direct Deposit (SSA video) YouTube

• How to Create Your Login.gov Account with SSA (SSA video) YouTube

• my Social Security Account playlist (SSA) YouTube

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Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or benefits advice. For guidance on your specific situation, confirm details directly with the Social Security Administration.