How to Set Up Direct Deposit for SSI or SSDI the Right Way

If you’re applying for Social Security benefits—or switching where your payments go—you’ll need to set up direct deposit. It’s the fastest, safest, and most reliable way to receive your money each month.

But not all accounts are created equal. In this guide, we’ll show you:

1. Why direct deposit is better than paper checks

2. What info you’ll need

3. Where to set up direct deposit for SSI or SSDI

4. How to do it if you’re a rep payee

5. How Purple makes it easy (and faster)

1. Why Use Direct Deposit?

Direct deposit is required for most Social Security payments. It’s:

• Faster – no waiting on the mail

• Safer – fewer lost or stolen checks

• More reliable – funds go straight into your account on payday

• Trackable – easy to monitor activity and get alerts

Whether you’re getting SSI or SSDI, setting up direct deposit means fewer delays and more peace of mind.

2. What You’ll Need

To set up direct deposit, you’ll need:

• Your bank or card provider’s name

• The routing number

• Your account number

• Your Social Security number

• A photo ID (for in-person setup)

If you’re a representative payee, the account must be titled correctly—more on that below.

3. Where to Set Up SSI or SSDI Direct Deposit

You can submit your info in one of three ways:

Option 1: Online at SSA.gov

Log in to your my Social Security account and select “Direct Deposit.” You’ll enter your new routing and account numbers.

Option 2: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213

You’ll need to verify your identity and give them your new bank info.

Option 3: Visit a Local SSA Office

Best for rep payees or complex cases. Bring your account info and photo ID.

4. If You’re a Rep Payee

If you manage money on behalf of someone else (a child or adult with a disability), the account must follow SSA titling rules:

• It should be in the format:

  [Your Name], Representative Payee for [Beneficiary Name]

• Make sure the account provider allows rep payee titling and supports multiple beneficiaries, if needed.

Purple supports all of this—and can help set it up the right way.

5. Why Set It Up with Purple?

Purple is designed specifically for people who receive SSI and SSDI benefits. When you use Purple:

• SSI benefits may arrive up to 4 days early¹

• SSDI benefits may arrive up to 2 days early¹

• You get alerts when your deposit hits

• You can track spending, stay under the $2,000 SSI asset limit, and more

• You get help setting up proper titling for rep payee and dedicated accounts

It takes just minutes to set up, and support is always here if you need help.

Want to set up your direct deposit with Purple? Get started today.

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.