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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Beatrice S.
I want to change my account that receives my SS payments and can’t find out how. Keeps leading me to more sites and this is my dead-end.
Luis A.
Hi Beatrice. Good news! If you receive Social Security benefits you can create or access your personal my Social Security account and change your direct deposit online. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and want to establish or update direct deposit information, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you may have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.
Deborah B.
Sorry, wrong address. I have been through a lot of trauma.
CORRECT ADDRESS:
Deborah Belinda Reese
105 Alexander St.
NEWARK, NJ 07106
Thank you.
Deborah B.
Need to report a stolen direct express card. Robbed last week. ID and direct express card taken. Please stop the deposit immediately.
SS#*** – ** – *** DI
Deborah Belinda Reese
22 Sunset Ave.
Newark, NJ 07106
No phone now but I will come to the office as soon as I can. Thank you.
My sister has let me use her email
Ann C.
Hi, Deborah. We are sorry to hear about your situation; however, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific concerns. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.
Linda R.
Received a scam SS call today from 707-100-2667.
Luis A.
Thank you for letting us know about these calls, Linda. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Gilberto D.
I have had direct deposit for a number of years going to my BBVA Compass Bank account and now I’m changing to Chase. what’s the easiest and best way to make the transition of my benefits direct deposit?
Bruce
It seems extremely unfair that changes weren’t made to accommodate those of us that receive our payments on the 4th Wed of the month. For those that make changes to our direct deposit bank can have it apply within a couple of weeks where as others like myself won’t see the change take affect for up to around 10 weeks. It’s bad enough that I’m being punished by my birth date (4th Wed), WEP, and possibly income related issues that will cut my measly payment. No reply required
Melinda M.
i have appeal and no answer
BENITA C.
I would like to change my bank institution to a different bank then the one I have enrolled on now.
How do I do it. I was hoping I could do it on line?
Ann C.
Hi, Benita. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Patricia J.
My next ss check June will be forwarded by the bank to my new account. I have to change the account with you before the July check. My new account number is as follows: routing transit number account number Wells Fargo Colorado .
Ann C.
Hi, Patricia. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
patricia.steitler
I have not been Getting my mail at my mailing address Louisiana 70661 from my local s s office in lake Charles la and need help solving this matter please I also am getting a new mailing address which will be at Stark’s Louisiana 70661 xname is Patricia steitler old phone number is help me solve this matter. Thanks
Vonda V.
Hi Patricia. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.
If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks.