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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Nawatha J.
I just want to get a form to change my direct deposit. Unfortunately, I haven’t used my account in some time and don’t remember either my sign in name or password. How can I get a form for both me and my husband.
DINO M.
I WANT TO CHANGE MY BANK ACCOUNT BECAUSE I LIVE IN GREECE
A.C.
Hi, Dino. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. For assistance outside of the U.S., please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit. You may also find our Office of Earnings & International Operations web page helpful. We hope this helps.
M K.
1. Filed for benefits,
2. Benefits denied.
3. Filed appeal.
4. Won appeal.
5. Received cola increase letter.
6. Contacted SS to update direct deposit information.
7. Benefits were suspended.
8. Received letter stating benefits were denied/ cancelled.
How does this happen after successfully receiving a favorable decision to my appeal?????
karen s.
What dates does SS make direct deposits.
A.C.
Hi, Karen. Thanks for your question. If you began receiving payments after May 1997, the payment date varies depending on your date of birth. You can find the payment date on the Social Security benefit payment calendar. We hope this helps.
Deborah L.
My husband social security montly payment is directly paid to our current bank account that has been compromised. We would like to update with our new acc. number. His tel # is 347-461-0970. He does not have and E-mail address. MY tel # is 347-461-0971. thank you Deborah London
A.C.
Hi, Deborah. For you and your husband’s security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Since he is unable to set up a personal my Social Security account, he can contact us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for assistance with changing his direct deposit information. Or he can contact his local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
George
how do i change my direct deposit account?
V.V.
Hi George. 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.
Mildred L.
I need form to change my direct deposit account number, I am not changing banks just changing account number.
V.V.
Hi Mildred. 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.
William T.
All we wanted to do was simply change our direct deposit bank account number. Ssa made it damm near impossible. Typical government bs
Mark R.
I need to change my direct deposit. Help
A.C.
Hi, Mark. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Patricia C.
My direct deposit info has changed