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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Donald D.
I recently changed my direct deposit information to a different account. I noticed the earliest possible date to effect the change was May 2020. I HAVE closed the old account, so if the change does not occur until May, I would be fine with a check sent to my mailing adress, until that time. Otherwise you can defer the payments until May 2020.
DB
Doris A.
Hello, I went on-line to change my checking account to submit my social security check. My old account is closed by the bank for fraudulent activity. I do not have the old account anymore. What happens to my checks until the new account takes effect (May 2020)? The last check I received was for February 2020. How do I get March and April checks?
Robin h.
Is it possible to stop direct deposit?
A.C.
Hi, Robin. As of March 1, 2013, if you receive your benefits by paper check, you are out of compliance with the law. Social Security will send you a paper check only if you meet one of the exceptions. The Treasury Department will grant exceptions to the rule only in rare circumstances. Check recipients living in remote areas without sufficient banking infrastructure may apply for a waiver, as well as check recipients for whom electronic payments would impose a hardship due to a mental impairment. Automatic waivers are granted to people born on or before May 1, 1921, and people who qualify for this waiver do not need to submit an application. Thanks.
Myra-Delia D.
I need to change my direct deposit information. What do I do to give the new banking account number?
A.C.
Hi, Myra-Delia. 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.
David C.
I’ve tried twice to set up an online account and have been unable to. I need to change where my direct deposit goes. I’d love to be able to do it online but can’t. Should I go to my local SSA office do it there? Please advise. Thanks.
A.C.
Hi, David. We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
David V.
This information does not seem to be accurate. I just logged into My Social Security and it said I could make the change to my direct deposit in either April or May. It is currently the 9th of Feb so this article implies it would happen in March.
lisa J.
are there penalties for NOT taking Medicare when someone starts Social Security? My husband will be applying for Social Security but still has health insurance through his work. Are there penalties for NOT taking Medicare at the same time. He plans on starting Medicare when he is fully retired in 3-4 years.
A.C.
Hi, Lisa. Thanks for your question. If you husband is covered under a group health plan based on his current employment, he may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that will let him sign up for Medicare Part B. He has an 8-month SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts at one of these times (whichever happens first):
• The month after the employment ends
• The month after group health plan insurance based on current employment ends.
Usually, he doesn’t pay a late enrollment penalty if he signs up during a SEP. He should always check with his health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for him. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit here. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Daniel R.
I just changed my bank for direct deposit. I did it incorrectly so call me stupid in that I closed my account first. I know, all my fault.
My question is that I did get my deposit for January but wont get February or March apparently. What becomes of that money and what do I need to do to direct it to the new account. I have entered all the new account information.
A.C.
Hi, Daniel. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Diana R.
I need the form to change my bank account. Where can I find it?
A.C.
Hi, Diana. 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.
Wendy S.
I have a plane that is going to get paid soon and I would like to change my direct deposit info because that account is closed