How to Switch Your SSA Direct Deposit to Purple
- Purple
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
If you get Social Security benefits—like SSI, SSDI, or retirement—you can choose where your money goes each month. That includes switching your direct deposit to a new bank or debit card, like Purple.
The good news? It’s easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
What benefits you can switch
What you need before updating direct deposit
The 3 ways to change your SSA payment info
How long it takes
How Purple helps you get more from your benefits
1. Which Benefits Can You Switch?
You can switch direct deposit for:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Retirement
Survivor or spousal benefits
Child disability benefits
If you receive your benefits on a Direct Express card today, you can switch to a bank or debit card account like Purple.
2. What You’ll Need to Switch
Before you start, have the following info ready:
Your Social Security number
Your new account number and routing number (available in the Purple app)
The type of account (checking or savings)
The name of the bank (OMB Bank, Member FDIC for Purple)
Your Purple card or app for reference
You’ll also need access to your my Social Security account or be ready to call or visit SSA.
3. How to Change Your Direct Deposit
There are three ways to switch your benefits to Purple:
✅ Option 1: Online (fastest)
Go to ssa.gov
Log into your my Social Security account
Select “Benefits & Payment Details”
Click “Update Direct Deposit”
Enter your new Purple account and routing number
⚠️ You must be the beneficiary (or their representative payee) to access or update account info online.
✅ Option 2: By Phone
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
They’ll ask you to confirm your identity and may update your direct deposit over the phone.
✅ Option 3: With Form 1199A
Download and fill out SSA Form 1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) and return it to your local SSA office. A bank rep may need to sign it too.
Purple members can request pre-filled info if needed.
4. How Long Does It Take?
In most cases, the change happens within 1–2 payment cycles (faster if done online). You’ll keep receiving benefits during the switch.
New in 2025: For SSI and SSDI, the SSA now processes direct deposit changes in just 1 business day—not 30 days as before.
5. Why Switch to Purple?
Purple was built for people who receive government benefits—especially those managing disability income, backpay, or rep payee accounts.
With Purple, you can:
Get your direct deposit up to 4 days early¹
Organize income, spending, and documents in one place
Separate backpay or dedicated funds into another account
Track multiple benefits (SSI, SSDI, child disability)
Stay below the SSI limit with spending alerts
Simplify life for caregivers and rep payees
Whether you’re switching from Direct Express or a traditional bank, Purple gives you more control and fewer surprises.