How to Change Bank Account on Social Security Direct Deposit

If you want your Social Security payments sent to a different bank account, don’t treat it like a simple bank-to-bank transfer. You need to update your Social Security direct deposit settings. The fastest route usually depends on whether you can sign in to your my Social Security account. If you can, use the online option. If you can’t, call the number SSA provides for direct deposit changes.

Confirm you’re changing Social Security direct deposit (not just a bank transfer)

Before you start, confirm you’re updating direct deposit. That means Social Security is already paying you electronically, and you just need those payments sent to a new bank account.

A quick way to separate the two:

• Bank transfer = moving money between accounts you control.
• Social Security direct deposit change = telling Social Security which bank account your benefit should go to.

If what you need is “my Social Security payment goes to the wrong account,” you’re in the right place.

Update your bank information online with a my Social Security account

If you can sign in, this is usually the simplest option. Social Security lets you update your bank information through your my Social Security account.

Here’s what that looks like:

If you can sign in, do this

1. Sign in to your personal my Social Security account.
2. Find the option to update your direct deposit / bank information.
3. Enter your new bank details using the on-screen prompts.
4. Save or confirm your changes when the site says the update is complete.

That’s how you notify Social Security your bank account has changed—by updating direct deposit through your online account.

Change direct deposit by phone: SSA direct deposit line

If you’d rather not use the website (or you can’t access your account), you can handle it by phone.

If you can’t sign in, call this number

• Call 1-800-772-1213 to change your direct deposit and tell the representative you want to update your bank information.

This is one of the main numbers people use for a Social Security direct deposit change.

TTY option (if you use it):

• TTY: 1-800-325-0778

Change direct deposit by phone: Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center

There’s also another phone option for electronic payments. This line is listed as part of changing or enrolling in direct deposit by phone.

• Call 1-800-333-1795 (Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center) to enroll or change direct deposit by phone.
• TTY shown for this option: 1-800-325-0778

When choosing between phone numbers, go with the one you feel most comfortable calling based on what you see listed, and have the details ready that the representative will ask for.

What to say when you call (and what you’ll need beyond account numbers)

A common mistake is assuming the bank account number alone is enough. One snippet specifically warns you can’t just call and provide your account numbers only. The representative may ask for additional details, and in some cases you may also be asked for a one-time code.

When you call, say this clearly

• "I want to update my Social Security direct deposit."
• "I need my payments sent to a new bank account."

Be ready to provide information beyond account numbers

Exact requirements can vary, but based on the warning, plan for the representative to request more than just:

• the new bank account number
• the new routing number

Also be ready for a one-time code as part of verifying your update.

To make the call go smoothly, have your new bank information in front of you. Also pay attention to any questions the representative asks so you don’t have to call back later.

How long does it take to switch bank accounts for Social Security?

That’s the question most people ask. The search prompts you’ll see often phrase it like: “How long does it take to switch bank accounts for Social Security?”

Based on the information provided here, we can’t confirm a specific number of days for how long the switch takes. What you can do is treat the confirmation you receive after you complete the update (online or by phone) as your key checkpoint, and keep a record of what you changed.

If your timing is urgent—like a payment date is coming up soon—ask the representative how the change will be handled in the next payment cycle.

If you need a form: Social Security Direct Deposit change form 1199A

If you run into Social Security Direct Deposit change form 1199A, it’s usually because people are looking for a paper option such as a PDF download.

You don’t have to start with a form if you can do this online or by phone. But if someone told you to use a form—or you prefer using one—search for the Social Security Direct Deposit change form 1199A and follow the instructions that match your situation.

How to contact Social Security to change your direct deposit (quick reference)

Use this as a quick guide for which number to call:

• Online (if you can sign in): Update your bank information through your personal my Social Security account.
• Call SSA to update direct deposit: 1-800-772-1213
• TTY: 1-800-325-0778
• Call Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center: 1-800-333-1795
• TTY: 1-800-325-0778

If you’re wondering “How do I contact Social Security to change my direct deposit?” the answer is the phone option above, with the website option available if you can sign in.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing direct deposit

Many issues people run into are easy to prevent. Watch for:

• Updating the wrong thing. Make sure you’re changing direct deposit for Social Security, not just updating an unrelated profile or bank info that doesn’t affect payments.
• Assuming account numbers are enough. The snippet warns that providing account numbers only may not be sufficient. The rep may need more details.
• Not being ready for verification. You may be asked for a one-time code. Plan ahead so you can respond right away.
• Waiting until the payment is late. Even if you can’t control the exact processing timing, it’s safest to make the change as soon as you know you’re switching accounts.
• Skipping the check after the update. After updating, don’t just assume it worked. If possible, verify your settings and keep proof of the change.

After you update your direct deposit, double-check your payment settings and save the confirmation details for your records.