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Fight Procrastination by Changing Your Direct Deposit Early

September 6, 2018 • By

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Last 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth S.

    I’m trying to change my direct deposit from one account to another. I really don’t see how it’s done on line. I need help.
    Thank you
    ELIZABETH Stovall
    3629 last 4 #
    909 252 8680

    • V.V.

      Hi Elizabeth. 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.

  2. George R.

    I need to change my direct deposit information.

  3. Randal J.

    need to change my direct deposit information

  4. Helen B.

    I need to inform Social Security that my checking account number at the same bank has been changed, so that I will continue to receive my direct deposit check from Social Security each month…
    I don’t want to leave all my personal information in this message; but don’t know how to go about this transaction………????? Thank you

    • V.V.

      Hi Helen. Thanks for the question. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), you can 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.

  5. Diane R.

    I have been calling the office for over a week. I get the same old, tired message that is the norm for all businesses today “We have changed our menu so please listen carefully, we are experiencing a high-volume of calls and will call you back. Your wait time is 1-1/2 hours. NEVER GOT A CALLBACK. The website sucks because it doesn’t address a Direct Deposit bank change. I tried signing on; but it doesn’t even recognize my Social Security Number that I have had since I was 15 years old – I’m 74. Somehow they take taxes out of my pay using that number. Dealing with any branch of the government is a nightmare. Does ANYONE actually work there?

  6. Kare M.

    Please change my direct deposit from USAA to BBT

    • V.V.

      Hi Kare. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.

      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.

  7. shirley d.

    I have not gotten my ss check this month due to moving back to Ohio from Tennessee. I was using Regions and the routing number is 064000017 to my current bank in Ohio with the routing number of 041215032

  8. Carolyn L.

    And I do not see a space for this change. Please help me. Thank You very much.

  9. Carolyn L.

    My Bank changed & I need to notify SS of this change asap regarding my Direct Deposit Gov. check, PLEASE.

  10. Jim T.

    Toughest site to get anything. Of course, you are part of the government.

Comments are closed.