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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Walter J.
What a wonderfully charming suggestion! I would love to get my own “mysocialsecurity” account working so I could do things like review my records and change the recipient of my social security compensation.
Unfortunately, I am too old to begin a new career in waiting on the telephone for someone from Social Security to answer the silly phone to help me untangle whatever it is that has my account tangled up in Social Security’s “simple twist of fate” (Dylan) that keeps the account from functioning.
Will Social Security bother to let us all know when Social Security can afford to hire some help for such things?
Edna K.
I have a MAJOR PROBLEM WITH SOCIAL SECURITY ACCEPTING DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN ALTERED.
AN EXAMPLE, AN ALLEGED DIVORCE DECREE THAT HAS NUMBERS ALTERED, A JUDGE THAT IS DECEASED NAME WRITTEN OVER THE PRESIDING JUDGES SIGNATURE .
WHY WOULD SOCIAL SECURITY ACCEPT SUCH A FRAUDULENT DOCUMENT WITH MANY ALTERATIONS AND CHANGES. THE DIVORCE DECREE IS NOT AN AUTHENTIC DOCUMENT.
Kenneth E.
How do I change my SS deposit to my new Bank ?
Ray F.
Hello Kenneth – Please read the instructions on how to change the direct deposit of your Social Security benefits here. Thanks!
Alzola H.
This was explained very well. Good job. Thank you.
Linda K.
Well I think the biggest inconvenience is the way I get paid. The third Wednesday of each month… I hate!
I would prefer to receive payment on a specific date – that same date each month.
What’s so difficult about that, Social Security??? It would certainly make my life easier and I’m sure easier for a lot of people. Most of the ones I have spoken with agree with me.
sharlene b.
Iwould like to change banks for my direct deposit. I would like some help with this. thank you
judith A.
I was unable to create a online account,My issue was I opened a new account at same bank,My bank personal tells me we have put in your direct deposit information,So she did that on the 9Th,in meantime other account was getting closed .So I g’et letter from my bank saying it was not excepted.this letter I received on 30th so now im worried I will not receive my funds in my bank account.So now how long before I will receive my payment im not sure.im confused on why it wasn’t excepted so I wil sit and see what happens
Ray F.
Hello Judith. You can start or update your direct deposit information by using your personal my Social Security account. In addition, you can decide when your change will take effect.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with one of our agents for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Sharon A.
I have tried to establish an account to view my information about my social security. When I use the information I have , the system refused the information. But when I try to open a new account with the same information, I get the message that an account is already opened with that information. What gives ?
Ray F.
Hello Sharon. We’re sorry that you’re having difficulty creating or accessing your account. If you are still having trouble, 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!
Annette R.
I need to change my direct deposit banking information. I lost my old checkbook and register and opened new checking account.
Ray F.
Hello Annette. If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
Debra R.
Hi,
My parents had to close their bank account suddenly because their information was compromised. Unfortunately, they missed the deadline for changing their direct deposit information and now need to know where their check will go. Does it bounce back to social security and come the following month?
Ray F.
Hello Debra. Generally, the payment will be returned and re-directed to the new account on the record.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide specific information about their payments. One of our representatives should be able to provide them with an explanation.
Your parents should call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!