Where to change your bank details for Social Security

You can update your bank information for Social Security payments through three main routes: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone with the Social Security Administration (SSA), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can make the change when ready and see it reflected in your next payment. Phone and in-person updates typically take 1 to 2 business days to process.

Social Security does not mail paper forms for this change. You must use one of these three methods, and you will need your Social Security number, current bank account details, and the routing number for your bank ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your bank information online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • Online updates take effect when ready; phone and office updates usually process within 1 to 2 business days.
  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a blank check or are available from your bank's website or customer service line.
  • If you change banks, update your information before your next payment date to avoid delays or returned deposits.
  • Social Security will send a confirmation letter to your mailing address after any change is made.

Updating online through my Social Security

The my Social Security account is the fastest way to change your bank details. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your Social Security number, email address, and a few security questions.

Once you are logged in, look for "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit" in the menu. Click on the option to change your bank account. You will be asked to enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a mistake in either one can send your payment to the wrong account. After you submit, the system will confirm the change when ready, and your next payment will go to the new account.

You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. Keep this letter with your records.

Changing your bank info by phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number, new bank routing number, and account number ready before you call.

A representative will ask you to verify your identity by confirming personal details such as your date of birth and mother's maiden name. Then they will walk you through entering your new bank information. The change will be recorded in their system, and you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. Processing usually takes 1 to 2 business days, and you will get a confirmation letter by mail.

If you have trouble hearing or prefer to use a relay service, Social Security offers TTY service at 1-800-325-0778.

Updating in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into your local Social Security office and request a bank information change. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and your new bank's routing number and account number. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Offices do not require an appointment for this type of change, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier in the morning or early in the week. If you call ahead to the office, staff can sometimes tell you when they expect shorter lines. The change will be processed on the spot and recorded in their system, and you will receive a confirmation letter by mail within 5 to 7 business days.

Finding your bank's routing number and account number

Your bank's routing number and your account number both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that bank. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you do not have checks, you can find this information on your bank's website by logging into your account, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers.

Do not share your routing number or account number with anyone except Social Security or your bank. Scammers sometimes pose as Social Security representatives and ask for this information over the phone or email. Social Security will never ask you to confirm your account details via email or unsolicited phone call.

What happens if you give Social Security the wrong bank information

If you realize you entered the wrong routing number or account number after you have submitted the change, contact Social Security when ready using any of the three methods above. The sooner you report the error, the sooner they can correct it before your next payment date.

If a payment was already sent to the wrong account, Social Security can issue a replacement payment to the correct account. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, contact the bank where the payment was sent by mistake and explain the situation — some banks can reverse the deposit or hold it pending your instructions.

Timing your update to avoid missed or delayed payments

Social Security payments are deposited on the same day each month — usually the third, fourth, or fifth of the month, depending on your birth date. If you change banks, try to update your information at least one week before your next payment date. This gives Social Security time to process the change and ensures your payment goes to the correct account.

If you are switching banks and your old account will be closed, tell your old bank that you are expecting a Social Security deposit. Some banks will hold a misrouted deposit for a short time, and you may be able to retrieve it. If the payment goes through and you cannot recover it from the old account, Social Security can issue a replacement, but this adds delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my bank information if I do not have a computer or internet access?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both methods work just as well as the online option, though they may take 1 to 2 business days to process instead of being when ready.

What if I share a bank account with someone else?

You can still use a joint account for your Social Security payments. Provide Social Security with the routing number and account number for the joint account. Both account holders will see the deposit, but only you can authorize changes to the account information linked to your Social Security record.

Do I need to update my information if I move to a different bank but keep the same account number?

Yes. Even if your account number stays the same, the routing number changes when you switch banks. Social Security deposits are routed by the routing number, so you must update it or your payment will go to your old bank, not your new one.

How long does it take to see my payment in the new account after I update my bank info?

If you update online, the change is when ready and your next payment will go to the new account on your regular payment date. If you update by phone or in person, allow 1 to 2 business days for processing, then your next payment will be deposited to the new account on schedule.

What if I do not receive a confirmation letter after I update my bank information?

Confirmation letters usually arrive within 5 to 7 business days. If you do not receive one after two weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to confirm that your change was recorded. Keep the confirmation number you received when you made the update — it helps Social Security locate your record quickly.