If you need to switch where your Social Security benefits are deposited—whether you're changing banks, moving to a new account, or switching to a better option—you're probably wondering how long the process takes. The answer has changed significantly in 2025, with SSA dramatically speeding up processing times.
Here's what you need to know about updating your direct deposit and protecting your benefits during the transition.
The Short Answer: 1 Business Day (As of 2025)
Good news: As of March 2025, the Social Security Administration expedited all direct deposit change requests—both online and in-person—to just one business day.
This is a major improvement from the previous policy, where online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days before taking effect.
What this means in practice: If you submit your direct deposit change on a Tuesday, it should be finalized by Wednesday. However, timing relative to your payment date still matters (more on that below).
How to Change Your Direct Deposit
You have several options for updating your direct deposit information:
Option 1: Online Through my Social Security (Fastest)
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Sign in to your my Social Security account (or create one if needed)
- Select "Benefits & Payment Details"
- Click "Update Direct Deposit"
- Enter your new bank account and routing numbers
- Review, confirm, and submit
Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your confirmation page as proof of your submission.
Option 2: Through Your New Bank (Automated Enrollment)
Some banks participate in the SSA's Automated Enrollment (ENR) process. This means your new bank can send your direct deposit information directly to Social Security on your behalf.
Ask your new bank if they offer this service—it can save you a step.
Option 3: By Phone
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to update your information over the phone. This may take longer to process than the online method.
Option 4: In Person at Your Local Office
Visit your local Social Security office to make the change in person. You'll need to bring identification and your new bank account information. As of 2025, SSA requires in-person identity verification for people who don't use a my Social Security account online.
Timing Your Change Around Your Payment Date
Even though changes now process in one business day, you should plan carefully around your payment schedule:
Best practice: Make your direct deposit change at least 3-5 business days before your next payment date to ensure the change takes effect in time.
If you change it too close to your payment date: Your payment may still go to your old account, or SSA may issue a paper check if the old account is closed.
Payment schedules to keep in mind:
- SSI: Payments arrive on the 1st of the month (or the last business day of the previous month if the 1st is a weekend/holiday)
- SSDI/Retirement: Payment day depends on your birth date—2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of the month
What Happens If Your Old Account Is Closed
This is where things can get complicated. If your payment is sent to a closed account:
- The bank will reject the deposit and return it to the Treasury
- Treasury will then issue a paper check to your address on file
- This process can add 10-14 days to receiving your money
The safest approach: Keep your old bank account open until you've confirmed at least one payment has successfully deposited into your new account.
What You'll Need to Make the Change
Have this information ready before you start:
- Your Social Security number
- Your new bank's routing number (9 digits)
- Your new account number
- The type of account (checking or savings)
Double-check everything: A typo in your routing or account number can cause your payment to go to the wrong place or be rejected entirely.
New Identity Verification Requirements (2025)
As of April 2025, SSA implemented stronger identity verification for direct deposit changes:
If you use my Social Security online: The existing online identity proofing process applies. You'll verify your identity when you create your account.
If you don't use a my Social Security account: You must visit a local Social Security office in person to prove your identity before making a direct deposit change. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
These changes were implemented to protect against fraud.
Confirming Your Change Went Through
After submitting your direct deposit change:
- Check your my Social Security account to verify the new bank information is showing
- Watch for your next payment to confirm it arrives in the new account
- Call SSA if you want verbal confirmation that the change was processed
- Monitor both accounts during the transition period
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Payment went to old account: Contact your old bank immediately. If the account is still open, you can transfer or withdraw the funds. If the account is closed, the payment will be returned to Treasury.
Payment is missing: Wait 3 additional mailing days past your expected payment date before contacting SSA. Then call 1-800-772-1213 to report the missing payment.
Change not processing: If your online change doesn't seem to be working, visit your local SSA office with ID to make the change in person.
Switch to Purple for Easier Benefit Management
Changing banks? Purple makes it simple to move your SSI or SSDI deposits. We'll help you track when your payments arrive, alert you the moment funds hit your account, and provide tools designed specifically for managing disability benefits.
Open your Purple account today →
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For specific questions about your benefits or direct deposit, contact the Social Security Administration directly.