Switching to a new bank account? You'll need to update your direct deposit information with the Social Security Administration to keep your SSI payments coming without interruption.
The good news is you can do this online in about 10 minutes. Here's exactly how.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What you need before you start
- Step-by-step instructions for updating online
- Other ways to update your information
- How long the change takes
- Common problems and how to avoid them
- How Purple makes the switch easier
1. What You Need Before You Start
Before you log in to update your direct deposit, gather this information:
- Your new bank's routing number (9 digits)
- Your new account number
- Your account type (checking or savings)
- Your my Social Security login (or you'll need to create one)
Important: Make sure your new account is open and active before you switch. SSA will reject direct deposit to a closed or inactive account, which could delay your payment.
If you're a representative payee updating direct deposit for a beneficiary, you'll need to use the beneficiary's my Social Security account or update by phone/in person.
2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Updating Online
Follow these steps to change your direct deposit information:
Step 1: Go to my Social Security
Visit ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one first (this requires identity verification).
Step 2: Navigate to Direct Deposit
Once logged in, look for "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Information" in your account menu. Click to access your current payment settings.
Step 3: Select "Change Direct Deposit"
You'll see your current bank information. Select the option to update or change your direct deposit details.
Step 4: Enter Your New Bank Information
Enter your new:
- Bank routing number (9 digits)
- Account number
- Account type (checking or savings)
Double-check every digit. A single error can send your payment to the wrong place or cause it to be returned.
Step 5: Confirm and Submit
Review your information and submit the change. You should receive a confirmation message on screen and may also get an email confirmation.
Step 6: Keep Your Old Account Open
Don't close your old bank account right away. Keep it open for at least one more payment cycle to ensure the switch goes through successfully.
3. Other Ways to Update Your Information
If you can't update online, you have other options:
By phone:
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM local time. Be prepared for hold times.
In person:
Visit your local Social Security office. You can find locations at ssa.gov/locator. Many offices require appointments.
By mail:
You can mail a signed written request with your new bank information to your local SSA office, but this is the slowest method and not recommended.
4. How Long the Change Takes
Here's what to expect after you submit your change:
- Online changes: Usually processed within 1-2 business days
- Phone changes: May take 1-3 business days to process
- Timing matters: Changes made close to your payment date may not take effect until the following month
Important: If your payment date is within the next 7-10 days, your current month's payment will likely still go to your old account. Plan accordingly.
SSA processes direct deposit changes in batches, so there may be a delay between when you submit and when it takes effect.
5. Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect routing or account numbers:
This is the most common problem. Triple-check your numbers before submitting. If you enter incorrect information, your payment may be returned or sent to the wrong account.
Account not in your name:
Direct deposit for SSI must go to an account in your name (or properly titled for a rep payee relationship). Joint accounts are generally acceptable if you're listed as an account holder.
Closed or inactive accounts:
SSA will reject direct deposit to closed accounts. Make sure your new account is fully open and able to receive deposits before you switch.
Switching too close to payment day:
If you need your next payment in the new account, make the change at least 2 weeks before your scheduled payment date.
6. How Purple Makes the Switch Easier
Purple provides everything you need to switch your direct deposit quickly and confidently.
- Your routing and account numbers immediately displayed in the app
- A pre-filled direct deposit form you can submit to SSA
- Step-by-step switching instructions specific to SSI
- Early direct deposit so you get access to funds up to 2 days faster
- Real-time notifications when your deposit arrives
- Balance alerts to help you stay under the SSI resource limit
Switching direct deposit doesn't have to be stressful. Purple makes it simple, and our support team is here if you need help.