How to Change Social Security Direct Deposit

Practical information to help you get your Social Security benefits in the account where they belong

Co-authored by Jonathan DeYoe, CPWA®, AIF® and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: February 22, 2023

Starting in 2013, a new law went into effect that requires all Social Security benefits to be deposited electronically in a bank account. If you need to make changes to your direct deposit information, you can do so either online or over the phone. If you no longer want direct deposit, you may request a waiver. Waivers are only granted for limited reasons.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing Direct Deposit Online

1
Gather your information. If you want to change your direct deposit information online, it's a good idea to get any necessary documents together before you go to the Social Security website. That way you won't have to stop and hunt for information.^{[2]
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- For example, if you've opened a new bank account that you want to use for your direct deposit, get your bank account numbers and other information and have them handy.
- You also may need to provide or confirm your Social Security number.
2
Confirm your eligibility to make changes online. Nearly anyone who currently receives Social Security benefits can change their direct deposit information using the Social Security website. However, you'll have to call the helpline if you live overseas and do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are using a foreign bank.
- If you haven't yet set up an account on the Social Security website, you also may want to call the website. When you set up a new account, you'll have to wait for a temporary password in the mail. This may cause a delay before you can access your account.^{[3]
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3
Visit the Social Security website. To change your direct deposit information, go to the Social Security website at https://www.ssa.gov. In the upper corner you'll see a link to log in to your account. Click that link and enter your user name and password.^{[4]
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- Once you've logged into your account, select the "direct deposit" link in your account information to access the settings you want to change.
4
Enter your new information. From your online account, you can change the bank name or account number, as well as your own name, address, or other information associated with your account.^{[5]
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- If you're unable to change your information, go to a Social Security office or call a Social Security Office to understand what might be happening.
- If you have difficulty typing or seeing information on a computer screen, you may want a trusted friend or family member to help you change this information.
- If you move, make sure you change your address with Social Security as soon as possible. Even if you still use the same bank account, differences in this information may delay your benefits.
5
Verify your changes were made. Once you've made the necessary changes, double-check your documents to make sure you've entered everything correctly before you submit your information. A box will pop up letting you know that your changes have been made successfully.^{[6]
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- If the page gives you the option to print a confirmation, you may want to do this so you have the confirmation for your records.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Direct Deposit over the Phone

1
Have your information ready. Before you call the helpline, take the time to get your Social Security card and any addresses or bank account information that you'll need to provide to the representative.^{[7]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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2
Call the Social Security helpline. You can change your Social Security direct deposit over the phone by calling the Social Security helpline at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the Social Security TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
- When you call, make sure you are in a private place where your conversation won't be overheard by strangers. You will have to provide the representative with your Social Security number.
3
Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. The representative will verify your identity by asking you a few questions and requesting your Social Security number. Then they'll take down the information you want to change and make the changes for you.
- Take notes during the phone call, including the representative's name, in case you have any problems later with your direct deposit.
4
Request confirmation of the change. Have the representative repeat the information you gave them so you can verify that it matches your records. Ask if they will send you written confirmation that the change has taken place.^{[8]
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- Monitor your bank account and call the helpline again if you don't receive your benefits.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Requesting a Waiver

1
Download the waiver form. If you want to receive a paper check, you'll need to get in touch with the Treasury Department, wish issues Social Security payments. While U.S. law requires payments be made by direct deposit, there are some exceptions.^{[9]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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- You can find the waiver form online at https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/EFT%20Waiver%20Form.pdf.
- You can also request a waiver by calling the Treasury Department at 1-855-290-1545. This is a toll-free call.
2
Review the reasons waivers are granted. In most cases it is to your benefit to receive your benefits through direct deposit rather than a paper check. However, people may receive paper checks for very limited reasons.^{[10]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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- If you cannot manage a bank account due to a mental impairment, you may be able to get a waiver. Waivers are also available for people born on or before May 1, 1921.
- Some areas, typically outside the United States, are so remote and lacking in infrastructure that financial institutions capable of accepting electronic transactions don't exist.
3
Complete your form. The form requesting paper checks requires you to provide personal information as well as explain the reason you're requesting the waiver. If you receive more than one check, you'll need a separate form for each check you receive.^{[11]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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- If you have trouble writing, you can get someone to fill out the form for you. However, you must personally sign the form. Your signature certifies that all the information on the form is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
4
Submit your form to the Treasury Department. Once you've completed the form, you need to mail it to U.S. Treasury, Electronic Payment Solution Center, PO Box 650015, Dallas, TX 75265-0015.^{[12]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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- Before you mail the form, look over it and make sure all sections are complete. If you mail an incomplete form, it won't be processed.
5
Contact the Treasury Department for status updates. Since you have to mail the form, you can expect it to take several weeks before it is processed and a decision is made whether to grant your waiver.^{[13]
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US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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- You can call the Treasury Department at 1-855-290-1545 to find out if your waiver request was received or if it has been granted. Wait at least 2 or 3 weeks after you mail your form before you call.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I change my bank account when changing my social security deposits?

Community Answer

Keep your old account until you see your social security check deposited into your new account. Then, cancel your old account. It can take up to 60 days to make the change go into effect.
Question

How long does it take for a change in direct deposit to take effect?

Community Answer

I work in a credit union, and I typically see the new deposit occur within 30-60 days after someone changes the direct deposit information.
Question

Can my spouse leave me and take my SSID direct deposit and refuse to give it back?

Community Answer

No, your spouse cannot do this. If it is your SSID deposit, then no one except a legal guardian can take it from you.

Warnings

It can take 30 to 60 days for direct deposit changes to take effect, regardless of the method you use to make those changes. If you've opened a new bank account, don't close your old one until you're certain your Social Security benefits are being deposited into your new account.^{[14]
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