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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Melanie O.
Want to change direct deposit information to new account
V.V.
Hi Melanie. Thanks for using our blog. 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) or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Martin J.
I have left 6 messages for Ms. Reid at Beaschwood Office (595-9237 x 24807 to send me a change of bank account Direct Deposit form with no response. I have closed former account due to Fraud. My nasme is: Martin Kilfoyle at 3600 Park East Dr. in Beachwood, ohio 44122
My SS# is *** – ** – *** My new account number at First Commonwealth Bank is:
Routing: xxxxxxxx and
Acct. # vis xxxxxxxxx
A.C.
Hi, Martin. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit 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.
Lana A.
My banking facility, Chesterfield Federal Credit Union, merged with Virginia Credit Union so I need the form or instructions on how to change direct deposit information for my Social Security check. I also need this information for my husband. My email address is lana.lefferts@yahoo.com.
V.V.
Hi Lana, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to change or add direct deposit. We hope this helps!
Lee W.
I called Social Security and changed my Bank and that was 2 months ago when will my SS go to my new Bank?
Leda's M.
I’m trying to update my direct deposit information online and have been trying but the system always sends me to contact the SSA by phone and I can’t get through to speak to a person. This is really stressed me out because I know I have tried everything and followed all of the directions.
Is the online direct deposit payment link broken or purposely down for some reason?
Help
V.V.
Hi there. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulties updating your direct deposit information online. If you already receive Social Security or SSI benefits and you have a bank account, you can also sign up for Direct Deposit by contacting your bank, credit union or savings and loan association. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Karen M.
I changed my bank to McCoy Federal Credit Bank in Clermont , FL and have 2 direct deposit only the one on the 3rd of the month was changed according to the confirm letter I received Saturday April 25 it is so very hard to get through on the phones and someone dropped the ball n this one. My bigger check on my dead 1st husband on the 3rd Wednesday apparently was never changed when I called and told I was closing Center State Bank in Groveland ,Fl
christina t.
i would like to change my direct deposit from here to my regular checking account
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Nancy K.
I already closed my account ,what happens to my direct deposit if my old account is closed ?
Victor R.
I Want To Set Up my Direct deposit