How to Set Up Direct Deposit for SSI or SSDI Benefits
- Purple
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
If you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — or switching your payment method — setting up direct deposit is the safest, fastest way to get your monthly benefits.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
Why direct deposit is better than receiving checks
What you need to set it up
How to enroll in direct deposit with the SSA
How Purple helps you get paid early and manage your benefits smarter
1. Why Set Up Direct Deposit?
Direct deposit is:
Faster — funds are sent electronically, not mailed
More secure — no risk of a check being lost or stolen
Required — SSA now requires electronic payments for most recipients
Even better, if you use a provider like Purple, you may get your deposit up to 4 days early¹.
2. What You Need Before You Start
To set up direct deposit for your SSI or SSDI benefits, you’ll need:
Your Social Security number
A bank account, debit card, or prepaid account that accepts direct deposit
Your routing number and account number
Access to ssa.gov or your benefits application
If you already receive paper checks, you can update your payment method at any time.
3. How to Enroll in Direct Deposit
There are a few ways to set up or update direct deposit:
Option 1: Online (fastest)
Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
Log in or create an account
Click “Manage Direct Deposit”
Enter your account information and confirm
Option 2: During Your Application
If you’re applying for benefits for the first time, you can enter your bank info directly on your application
Option 3: By Phone or In Person
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
Or visit your local Social Security office
Note: SSA no longer allows most updates over the phone unless you’re blind or meet other exceptions.
4. Why People Use Purple for SSI or SSDI Deposits
Purple is built for people on disability benefits — not just general banking.
With Purple, you get:
Early access to benefits¹
Support for rep payee, dedicated, and ABLE accounts
Instant alerts when your deposit hits
Tools to help you stay below the $2,000 asset limit
A card that works everywhere Mastercard® is accepted
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC. The Purple Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by OMB Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Mastercard.
¹ Early access is not guaranteed and depends on payer timing. We generally make funds available on the day we receive the payment file, which may be up to 4 days early for government benefits like SSI or SSDI, and up to 2 days early for other deposits. Early access is available at no additional cost.
² See our fee schedule for complete details