How to Switch from a Paper Check to Direct Deposit for SSI or SSDI

The fast, secure way to receive your disability benefits

Introduction: Still Getting a Paper Check from Social Security?

If you’re receiving SSI or SSDI and still getting a check in the mail each month, you’re not alone—but it may be time to switch.

💳 Can I switch to direct deposit for my benefits?

📬 How do I stop getting paper checks?

💡 Is there a faster or safer way to get my money each month?

The short answer:

✔️ Yes, you can (and should) switch to direct deposit for your disability benefits.

✔️ Direct deposit is faster, more secure, and often comes with fewer delays.

✔️ You can choose where your check goes—even to a benefits-friendly account like Purple.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

✅ Why direct deposit is better than paper checks

✅ How to set it up through SSA

✅ What information you need

✅ How to choose the right account

✅ How Purple makes it easy to manage your SSI or SSDI payments

1. Why You Should Switch to Direct Deposit

The U.S. Department of the Treasury requires nearly all federal benefit recipients to use electronic payments—yet some people still receive checks.

✅ Benefits of Direct Deposit:

Faster access to your money (often up to 2 days early with some banks)
No waiting on the mail
No risk of stolen or lost checks
No need to cash a check at a store or ATM
Reliable tracking and payment history

📌 SSA calls this “Electronic Payment of Benefits”—and it’s now the standard.

2. How to Switch from a Paper Check to Direct Deposit

There are three easy ways to sign up for direct deposit:

✅ Option 1: Through Your My Social Security Account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
Log in or create an account
Click “Update Direct Deposit”
Enter your new bank account details
Confirm and save

💡 This is the fastest, most direct way to update your payment info with SSA.

✅ Option 2: By Calling SSA

Call 1-800-772-1213
Say you want to update your direct deposit
SSA may ask for:
- Your bank routing number
- Your account number
- Whether it’s a checking or savings account

🕒 Best to call early in the day or midweek to avoid long wait times.

✅ Option 3: Fill Out Form 1199A

Download the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form (SSA-1199)
Complete Sections 1 and 2
Ask your bank or financial institution to fill out Section 3
Mail or deliver the form to your local SSA office

📌 This method takes longer but works if you prefer paper or need help from your bank.

3. What You’ll Need to Set Up Direct Deposit

Before switching, make sure you have:

✅ Bank name

✅ Routing number (9-digit code)

✅ Account number

✅ Account type (checking or savings)

💡 You can find this info in your Purple app (or any other bank app), on your debit card, or at the bottom of your checks.

4. How Long Does It Take to Start Receiving Direct Deposit?

Once updated, your next payment should arrive by direct deposit—usually within 1–2 months, but sometimes sooner.

📬 You may receive one final check by mail during the transition.

5. What If I Don’t Have a Bank Account Yet?

SSA can only send your benefits to:

A checking or savings account
A Direct Express® card
Or a prepaid debit account that accepts federal benefits

💡 If you don’t have an account yet, consider one that’s built for disability benefits, like Purple.

6. Why Purple Is a Better Option Than Traditional Banks

💜 Built for SSI and SSDI – Track your SSA deposits by source

💜 Get Paid Up to 2 Days Early – Access your money faster with direct deposit

💜 Stay Under the $2,000 SSI Limit – Get alerts if your balance gets too high

💜 No Surprise Fees – FDIC-insured with no overdraft charges

💜 Store SSA Letters and Forms – Document storage to help with benefit reviews

📌 Purple gives you full control over your benefits, with tools made specifically for the disability community.

7. FAQs About Switching to Direct Deposit

⚠️ Can I still receive a paper check if I prefer it?

Technically, yes—but SSA strongly encourages (and often requires) electronic payments.

⚠️ What happens if I switch accounts?

Just update your direct deposit info again through SSA.gov or by phone. Be sure to do it before your next payment date to avoid delays.

⚠️ Can I use a prepaid card for my SSI/SSDI?

Yes—as long as the card accepts federal benefits and you provide accurate routing/account info. Purple is fully compatible.

⚠️ Will SSA notify me when the switch is complete?

Yes—you’ll usually get a confirmation by mail, and your direct deposit will show up in your account on payday.

8. Conclusion: Make the Switch and Get Your Benefits Faster

✅ Direct deposit is safer, faster, and more reliable than paper checks

✅ You can switch online, by phone, or with a form

✅ You’ll need your routing number, account number, and account type

✅ Purple makes receiving and managing your benefits easier than ever

💜 Sign up for Purple to receive your SSI or SSDI safely and get paid early—no paper check required.