Switching your Social Security direct deposit to a new bank is easier than you might think. Whether you're changing banks for better features, lower fees, or early access to your benefits, here's exactly how to do it.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How to switch online (fastest method)
- How to switch by phone
- How to switch in person
- What information you need
- How long the switch takes
How to Switch Online (Fastest)
Step 1: Create or sign in to my Social Security
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Click "Sign In" or "Create Account"
- Verify your identity if new account
Step 2: Navigate to direct deposit
- Click "Change Direct Deposit"
- Or find it under "Benefits & Payments"
Step 3: Enter your new bank information
- Bank routing number (9 digits)
- Account number
- Account type (checking or savings)
Step 4: Confirm the change
- Review the information
- Submit the change
- Save or print confirmation
Tips for online changes:
- Double-check all numbers
- Use your new bank's official routing number
- Keep confirmation for records
- Change takes effect within 1-2 payment cycles
How to Switch by Phone
Call Social Security:
- 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm local time
What to have ready:
- Your Social Security number
- Current address
- New bank routing number
- New bank account number
- Date of birth for verification
During the call:
- Tell them you want to change direct deposit
- Provide your new bank information
- Verify the change was entered correctly
- Ask for confirmation number
Best times to call:
- Early morning (right at 8am)
- Late afternoon (after 4pm)
- Wednesday-Friday (less busy)
- Avoid Mondays and first week of month
How to Switch in Person
Visit your local SSA office:
- Find offices at ssa.gov/locator
- Some offices require appointments
- Bring required documents
What to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card (if available)
- New bank account information
- Voided check or bank letter (helpful)
At the office:
- Tell them you're changing direct deposit
- Complete form SF-1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up)
- Verify all information is correct
- Get copy of completed form
What Information You Need
From your new bank:
- Routing number (ABA number) - 9 digits
- Account number
- Account type (checking recommended)
Where to find routing number:
- On a check (bottom left, first 9 digits)
- In your bank's mobile app
- On your bank's website
- Call your bank
Where to find account number:
- On a check (after routing number)
- In your bank's mobile app
- On your bank statement
- Call your bank
For Purple accounts:
- Routing and account numbers in the app
- Go to "Account Details"
- Easy to find and copy
How Long Does It Take?
Timeline:
- Changes typically take 1-2 payment cycles
- Could be 30-60 days
- Don't close old account immediately
What to do during transition:
- Keep old account open
- Monitor both accounts
- Watch for first deposit at new bank
- Then close old account if desired
If there's a delay:
- Verify change was processed (call SSA)
- Check both accounts
- Be patient—it's normal to take time
- Report problems promptly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't:
- Close old account before confirming new deposit
- Transpose numbers
- Use someone else's account
- Forget to update other direct deposits
Do:
- Triple-check routing and account numbers
- Keep old account open temporarily
- Save confirmation of change
- Update other deposits separately
Switching to Purple
Why switch to Purple:
- Get benefits up to 4 days early
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance
- Designed for disability recipients
How to switch to Purple:
- Open Purple account (takes minutes)
- Get your Purple routing and account numbers
- Change direct deposit using methods above
- Enjoy early access to your benefits
After You Switch
Confirm the change:
- Log into my Social Security
- Verify new account info is showing
- Watch for first deposit
Update other payments:
- Other direct deposits
- Automatic bill payments
- Any payments linked to old account
Keep records:
- Save confirmation of change
- Note the date you made the change
- Track when first new deposit arrives
How Purple Helps
Purple makes switching easy:
- Simple account setup
- Clear routing and account numbers
- Get benefits up to 4 days early
- See deposits as soon as they arrive
- No fees on your benefits
Switch to Purple and get your Social Security sooner.