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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Susan S.
Vs
I would prefer to get a credit card instead of direct deposit. Is this possyble?
Joshua M.
Need my account number and routing number for direct express
Viv
This article gives NO information on what to do if your current bank account HAD to be closed before changing to a new account due to a phishing scheme? Ours did and it seems we will have to go 2 months without my or my husband’s SS checks? Or is there an easier way…? It would be nice of SS to let us know this sort of information. I’m sure we are not the only ones this has happened to!!
Richard M.
I cannot get ahold of you people. You’re never there. What’s going on??????
John L.
How do I change my direct deposit (from on bank to my new bank?)
Ann C.
Hi, John. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit information online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
patricia b.
i am not getting help
Ann C.
Hi, Patricia. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, 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 questions. 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 helps.
Beverly B.
If my social security check is supposed to be deposited on the 25th of each month, will it be deposited on Christmas or earlier?
Ann C.
Hi, Beverly. Thanks for your question. If your regular payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, we send your benefits the business day before your due date. For pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefit payments calendar useful. We hope this helps.
VICTORIA S.
I need to have my direct deposit changed how do I do that?
Ann C.
Hi, Victoria. Thanks for your question. 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.
Janelle N.
How to change my email address and bank for direct deposit.
Luis A.
Hi Janelle. You can change your email address and your direct deposit information online by using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Marciannette E.
How does one apply for a social security number for a child with both American and Croatian citizenship? And how long does this take?
Luis A.
Hi Marciannette. Thanks for your question. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) as the proper applicant. Remember that knowing their number is what is important. You will rarely need to show their card, but if you need information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your child’s identity and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your child. Also keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use birth certificates to prove your child’s age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.