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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Alice J.
We are changing banks and need to update my account. How do I do that?
V.V.
Hi Alice. 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.
Renate M.
I want to change banks for my Social Securitye check direct deposit, what do I have to do ?
MICHAEL A.
I had a my account and suddenly it is not accessible. There is mention of a code but I have never received said code. How can I get my account back?
R.F.
Hello Michael. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, 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”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Robert M.
No one is open. I closed my bank account a couple of weeks ago when the banks were still open in the lobby but before I could find another, about 2 days afterwards all banks lobby’s were closed AND Social Security Office was closed. I receive direct deposit and I have no way to get my money. It will not allow me to login here.
kent k.
If I give you a new routing number today will it go into effect in time to be in my new account by next Wednesday the 24th? Or will that delay it. It is important I get my payment on the 24th. Thank you
Lory P.
My direct deposit to Wells Fargo is not released to me until after COB the day it was due to me. Is that allowed? It’s not an issue to me but over the years I knew many people who lived check to check and a day delay made a difference. It annoys me to think
big banks are allowed to hold access for a even a day!
Kathleen F.
My social security number was compromised so I have closed my bank accounts and I have direct deposit on my SS check. I need to give you a new checking account number but I don’t know how. I have been on hold on the phone for more than an hour. Any help?
Sharry C.
How do I change checking account numbers for my direct deposit?
john b.
I am finding it almost impossible to change the routing number to one that the bank that has taken over my branch requires
Keisha m.
Hello my name is Keisha Mckeever I haven’t received money to my SSI and SSA since oct 1-3 I already give to my new account and router number from old account bank I am deaf
V.V.
Hi Keisha Please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine if your direct deposit failed. If you still need to report a missing 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.
frances h.
change direct deposit to home delivery