Change Your Social Security Direct Deposit

Why your payment method matters

Federal law requires nearly all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to be made electronically — either by direct deposit into a bank or credit union account, or onto a Direct Express Debit Mastercard. If you're applying for benefits for the first time, you'll choose one of these methods as part of your application; if you're already receiving benefits and need to update your bank information, you have several ways to do it.

Update it yourself online (the fastest way)

The fastest way to update your direct deposit information is online through your personal mySocial Security account at ssa.gov. Sign in, go to the direct deposit section, and enter your new bank's routing and account numbers. If your specific benefit type or situation can't be updated online, the system will tell you and point you toward calling or scheduling an appointment instead.

Ask your bank to do it for you

You can also ask your bank to make the change for you. Many banks and credit unions offer Automated Enrollment (ENR), a process that lets them send your updated direct deposit information directly to Social Security — no call or office visit required on your end. Not every bank offers this, so confirm with yours before assuming it's available.

Update it by phone or in person

If you can't or don't want to update online, call the National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and tell the representative you want to update your direct deposit. You can also visit your local Social Security field office; most in-person visits now require scheduling an appointment first, which you can do online or by calling the same number.

What happens if you don't have a bank account

If you don't currently have a bank account, you don't need one just to keep receiving payments — SSA can issue your benefit onto a Direct Express Debit Mastercard instead, which works like a prepaid debit card with no bank account required. If you'd prefer to open an account so you can use direct deposit, the FDIC's GetBanked program can help you find a bank willing to open a low-cost or no-fee account.

How long the change takes to go into effect

Once you submit a change — online, through your bank, by phone, or at an appointment — Social Security typically applies it starting with your next scheduled payment, though the exact timing can depend on how close you are to your regular payment date when you make the update. Direct deposit is worth switching to if you're still receiving paper checks: it's harder to lose or have stolen, and funds are available in your account as soon as business opens on your normal payment day, without a trip to cash a check.

What you'll need to update it

• Your Social Security number
• Your new bank or credit union's routing number
• Your new account number
• A mySocial Security account (Login.gov or ID.me) for the online option