Fight Procrastination by Changing Your Direct Deposit Early
Reading Time: 3 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
September 6 is National Fight Procrastination Day. With our busy lives, it is easy to fall into that cycle of constantly postponing some tasks because of other things we need to address right now. This may be true for you when it comes to changing your payment method for Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, procrastinating on reporting changes can lead to delayed payments, resulting in undue hardship with bills and living expenses. Ultimately, it’s less hassle — and less stressful — if you report a direct deposit change as soon as it occurs.
How can you change your direct deposit information with Social Security? The most convenient way is by creating a personal my Social Security account. Once you create your account, you can update your bank information without leaving the comfort of your home. Another way to change your direct deposit is by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make the change over the phone. If you prefer to speak to someone in-person, you can visit your local Social Security office with the necessary information.
What exactly will Social Security need to make the direct deposit change? Because we are committed to protecting your personal information, we need some form of identification to verify who you are. If you are online, we verified your identity when you initially created your personal my Social Security account. All you need to do is log in with your secure username and password to gain instant access to your information.
If you call Social Security, we will ask identifying questions to ensure we are speaking to the right person. If you visit the office, you will need to bring a driver’s license or some form of ID with you. Once we have identified you are the correct person and are authorized to make changes on the Social Security record, all we need is the routing number, account number, and type of account established. We don’t ask for a voided check, nor do we obtain verification from the bank. Therefore, you should be sure you are providing accurate information to us.
The day of the month you report the direct deposit change makes all the difference. Though the exact date varies each month, generally, you will need to report changes by the 15th to see the effect on the next check. When the 15th falls on the weekend or a holiday, the cutoff is usually the previous business day. For example, if you switched banks or have a new account in September, you will need to provide the new information to Social Security by September 14 to receive your next payment in the new account. If you don’t report this change to us until September 28, your next payment will go into the old account.
Because you may be unsure if your direct deposit change will affect your next payment, we highly recommend that you do not close the old bank account until you have seen your first Social Security deposit in the new bank account. That way, you can feel secure you will receive your benefits on time, regardless of when the change was reported to Social Security. Waiting until you see the deposit in your new account also gives you the extra peace of mind that we processed the change correctly.
The first step in fighting procrastination is increased awareness. Knowing how easy it is to report a direct deposit change, what information to report, and when, can encourage you to get in touch with Social Security at the earliest possible moment. In addition, making sure we know about a change early ensures we help make the transition as smooth as possible.
When you have to report changes, be sure to contact us or visit us online. Social Security always strives to put you in control by providing the best experience and service no matter where, when, or how you decide to do business with us.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Carl D.
hello,I need to update my direct deposit to my new bank please I need the fax number so I can fax or the mail addres …thanks
V.V.
Hi Carl. Thanks for the question. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), you can start or update your direct deposit information by using your personal my Social Security account.
If receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or unable to conduct business online, you can start or update your direct deposit by contacting the bank, credit union, or savings and loan association or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Max H.
I want to add direct deposit for my S.S. benefits going to my checking account if there is a way to do this please get in touch with me thru email or message?
Robert A.
I am assisting Mr. Martin. He would like to change his direct deposit to another bank.
A.C.
Hi, Robert. If he is receiving Social Security retirement or disability, he can create a personal my Social Security account to change his direct deposit online. If he is receiving Supplemental Security Income, he should contact his local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Barbara J.
need a new password, takes 1/2 hour to get password and by then it’s expired.
Lynne M.
What is the purpose of this page since there is no way to enter the pertinent information?
Has anyone else mentioned that your website is beyond-convoluted?
Shukti M.
How do I change my direct deposit checking account number? My account was hacked and I have had to change the number with a new bank account
Brenda K.
Am I able to deposit money onto my moms direct card?
KENNA M.
Good Day, I received a “Fully Favorable” decision. I’ve been out of work since January 16, 2017. I’ve depleted all my savings and credit. I am in default with my utilities and in shutoff status. I haven’t paid my rent in two months and my landlord is processing eviction now. I can’t afford to pay my prescription co-payments, so I don’t have medicines. I’m scared, anxious and debilitated….. I don’t know what is going to happen to me ! the thought of being homeless is very frightening and stressful. Please Help! Thank you.
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Kenna. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire on the status of your favorable decision, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Myrna A.
I need to change my bank information for my direct deposit. I have tried to set up an account but cannot get a code. My wait time by phone is 1 hr. 15 min. Please contact me at 614-794-1023. My other phone is on hold.
K.O.
Hi Myrna, you can update your direct deposit informationonline by using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem during the account creation process, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Any of our agents can also assist you in updating your direct deposit information on your records. Thanks!
Frederick A.
Would like to change bank to a different bank for my direct deposit.