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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Mary L.
I had not used my account for awhile and when I tried to change my direct deposit I had to wait for a code no to be sent to me by mail. I then had to call by phone which took quite awhile. I wish it was set up so I still could type it online without having to wait for the code.
Having to close a checking account and then getting ahold of people is nerve racking enough
Sally A.
Where do I send notice of direct deposit change form?
V.V.
Hi Sally, thanks for using our blog. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain the mailing address of your local Social Security office. We hope this helps!
Susan R.
i am trying to get assisstance to change my checking account number for direct deposit. I recently had my identity stolen and had to close out my existing account . My new account has come in the mail so now i can inform you please answer me as soon as possible . I have been waiting on the phone almost a hour and i have made several attempts on the computer . The rest is up to you. Thank You
V.V.
Hi Susan, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Direct Deposit web page for details on how to set up or change your direct deposit.
HOWARD L.
HELLO
PLEASE SEND CHANGE FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT FORM.
MARILOMADISON@GMAIL.COM
THANK YOU
HOWARD WISNIEWSKI
A.C.
Hi, Howard. 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.
Ann L.
I need to update my bank direct deposit information.
Beach Community Bank (Pensacola, FL)
Routing No. 063115136
Checking Account Number:
xxxxxxx
A.C.
Hi, Ann. 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 as a reminder, please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Sally H.
I tried to set up a “my SS account” and couldn’t provide an answer to one of the questions. Then I tried using the telephone and was put on hold for quite awhile and then a phone started to ring and I thought an agent would answer, but after 40 some odd rings I hung up. I really need to get my Direct Deposit bank changed as soon as possible so I won’t miss my August deposit.
A.C.
Hi, Sally. If you are still unable to create 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 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
mary g.
I had to create a new account how do i do this online so I will receive my check next month
A.C.
Hi, Mary. Thanks for your question. If you’ve already opened another account, and receive Social Security benefits, you can create a my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online by going setting up a personal my Social Security account. If you need additional assistance, you can contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Robert W.
Sirs,
How do I change the direct deposit from my old bank to my new bank? I filled out the forms online but, it keeps asking me for a check number?
There should be a simple way to do this…
Help
V.V.
Hi Robert, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for detail son how to change or add direct deposit. We hope this helps!
Rhoda M.
I need to change the bank account number for the direct deposit of my check. Please tell me how I can do this. Thanks!
V.V.
Hi Rhoda, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to change or sign up for direct deposit. Thank you.
Al S.
One month to change? Wrong! It now takes three months to change banks for direct deposit when using the website.
BBailey
Thats what I just discovered…3 months! Its not acceptable. Does calling them speed it up? Did you figure out any alternative?