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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Daisy C.
chentn28@gmail.com
James N.
I am currently getting Direct Deposits of my SS benefit. My question is, “Can the date of my Direct Deposit, which is the 3rd Wednesday of each month, be changed to a more convenient day for me?” If so, how do I request that change?
Vonda V.
Hi James, thank you for your question. You cannot change the date you receive benefits. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Margaret M.
My parents, Ralph & Helen Marshall (90 & 88 yrs old) have direct deposit to an account I need to change. They are not on-line (which most retirees are not), How can I do this?
Vonda V.
Hi Margaret. If your parents are unable to conduct business online, they can start or update their 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.
Gena
Good morning,
What going to happen to my benefits when I turn 66? I’m on Disable, do I still keep my HMO and Medicare? What’s going to be different? I know my SSDI drops. I’ve asked this before, and NOT gotten an answer back.
Thank you,
Gena
Vonda V.
Hi Gena, thank you for your question. When you receive disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits when you attain your Full Retirement Age. The benefit amount will generally remain the same. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability on one record at the same time.
On the other hand, if you’re receiving benefits under the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program, and become eligible for any or other Social Security benefits on your own record or the records of others (e.g., spouse’s, widow’s, or childhood disability benefits) you are required to apply for those benefits as soon as you’re eligible. Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday if you need further assistance. We hope this information is helpful to you.
Daniel A.
I opened a ‘my social security account’ 5 minutes ago. How do I now find the specific change the routing number? Everything easy up to now????
Vonda V.
Hi Daniel 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 details on the process.
Kimyata B.
Change bank information
Betty B.
need to switch to direct deposit . routing number is 083903894 account number 110378461
Kenny O.
Hello Betty, you can update your direct deposit information online using your personal my Social Security account. Click HERE for instructions on how to change your direct deposit. We hope this helps!
Rickey P.
How can I create a new account and get rid of the current account I already have?
Judith A.
When can I expect to receive my new social security/medicare card?
Felix
Speaking of procrastination. SSA routinely delays recalculating benefits to those who worked previous year. I worked in 2017 expecting my benefits to be recalculated somewhere at the beginning of 2018. Instead I got my increase in November 2018. We’re talking about older people here – several months of delaying could make it too late for some.