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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Warren
If I had my social security check switch to another bank on the seventh day,will my check be put in my new account
V.V.
Hello Warren. It is hard to say whether or not the change went through on time. If you need to report a late, missing or stolen Social Security payment, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office.
If you are due a payment we will take the necessary action to re-issue it as soon as possible. Thanks!
Lynda K.
My name is Lynda K Wilkinson
Lynd k.
I have entered my information three times, the sight says it cannot find my account. This is very up setting as I have had an account with SS for years. I update my info and need to change my direct deposit as I have closed the bank account where my direct deposit was going into.
I NEED HELP PLEASE!!!!!
R.F.
We’re sorry that you had difficulty accessing your account, Lynda. If you are still having trouble accessing your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated “my Social Security Hotline”. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Steven G.
Need to change banks for direct deposit.
R.F.
Hello Steven, if you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
frank g.
change direct deposit
Robert T.
I’m 66 & currently receiving Social Security. I would like to to change my direct deposit. I’ve tried online several times to no avail.
Thank you,
Robert T Hess,Jr
V.V.
Hi Robert, thanks for using our blog. If you’re 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). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Tina h.
I need to change bank accounts for direct deposit how do I do it I would rather call.
Tina h.
I need to change bank accounts for direct deposit how do I do it I would rather call.
V.V.
Hi Tina. Thanks for the question. 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).
See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Leroy N.
I cannot remember my username or password to change my bank information on direct deposit. I need some help.
V.V.
Hi Leroy: See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”.
TERRY B.
MY NAME IS TERRY BROOKS . MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS: *** – ** – ***.
IM WRITING TOO CONFIRM MY DIRECT DEPOSIT WILL BE DEPOSITED ON THE THIRD OF OCTOBER 3, 2018.
I OPENED A NEW ACCOUNT WITH ARROWEAD CREDIT UNION IN YUCAIPA CA ZIP CODE IS 92399. IT IS A CHECKING ACCOUNT MY CHECKING ACCOUNT NUMBER IS AS I DONT HAVE A PHONE OR E-MAIL ADRESS.
THIS IS MY DAUGHTER’’S E -MAIL. TOO CONFIRM THAT MY DIRECT DEPOSITS FROM DISABILITY AND SURVIVOR WIDOW’S BENEFITS ARE GOING TO BE DEPOSITED ON OCT. 3RD OF OCTOBER . THANK YOU.
V.V.
Hi Terry, thank you for the question. 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).
See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email.