How to change your direct deposit for Social Security

The fastest way to change the bank account your Social Security or SSI goes into is to sign in to your my Social Security account and update your bank details there. You can also ask your new bank to send the change to Social Security for you, call SSA on 1-800-772-1213 after getting a one-time code at ssa.gov/PIN, or visit a Social Security office. Keep your old account open until a payment has arrived in the new one.

What you'll need

• your Social Security number;
• your new bank's routing number (9 digits);
• your account number;
• whether it's a checking or savings account.

You'll find the routing and account numbers at the bottom of a check, in your online banking, or by asking your bank.

Option 1: Online, with my Social Security

Sign in to your my Social Security account and update your bank information. SSA calls this the fastest way to make changes. For some benefit types the online option isn't available, and the site will tell you what to do next.

If you don't have an account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. You'll be asked to prove your identity online once, and after that you can use the account without doing it again.

Option 2: Through your new bank

Your bank can send your new details straight to Social Security, with no call or office visit. Ask your bank whether it offers Social Security's Automated Enrollment. Not every bank does, so check first.

Option 3: By phone, with a one-time code

Since April 2025, SSA only changes direct deposit over the phone if you give them a one-time code first. SSA's steps:

1. Go to ssa.gov/PIN and sign in to (or create) your my Social Security account.
2. Get your one-time code.
3. Call 1-800-772-1213 and give the code to the representative.

If you can't create an account, you'll need to use your bank (option 2) or visit an office (option 4).

Option 4: At a Social Security office

Take proof of your identity and your new bank details to your local Social Security office. SSA says you don't need an appointment if you're only changing your direct deposit.

When the change takes effect

If you make the change just before your payment day, that month's payment may already be on its way to your old account. So:

• don't close your old account yet;
• check your payment date;
• close the old account only after a payment has arrived in the new one.

Protect yourself

Changing direct deposit is exactly what scammers try to do, because it lets them take your payments. Social Security says it will never text you to ask for or confirm your identity. Never give your my Social Security password or one-time code to anyone who contacts you, even if they say they're from SSA. Start the change yourself, on ssa.gov or with your own bank.

Sources

• Social Security Administration, Update direct deposit
• Social Security Administration, What to know about proving your identity
• Social Security Administration, Direct deposit