How to Update Your Direct Deposit & Address with Social Security
You can update your mailing address or direct deposit account in a few minutes through your my Social Security account, and as of a 2025 SSA policy change, direct deposit updates now finish in about one business day — down from a process that used to take up to 30 days. The catch: this self-service option isn't available to everyone. SSI recipients and anyone without a my Social Security account still need to call or visit a local office.
How Will You Make This Change?
- You receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, or are enrolled in Medicare
- You have (or can create) a my Social Security account
- You want to pick the exact date your address change takes effect
Not available for SSI payments — SSI recipients can view their address and payment method in the My Profile tab, but can't change either one online.
Direct deposit changes now process in about 1 business day; address changes take effect on the date you choose.
- You receive SSI payments
- You don't have a U.S. mailing address
- You can't sign in to (or create) a my Social Security account
As of 2025, SSA requires in-person identity verification for these changes if you're not enrolled in my Social Security — full phone-only verification is no longer available.
Once SSA completes your request, processing is just as fast as the online path.
Step by step
- 1 Sign in to your my Social Security account Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in, or create an account if you don't have one yet. This only works if you receive retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, or are enrolled in Medicare — SSI doesn't qualify for this path.
- 2 Open the My Profile tab This is where both address and direct deposit updates live, along with your phone number and payment method.
- 3 Enter your new information For direct deposit, you'll need your new bank's routing number and your account number. For an address change, you can also choose the date the change should take effect — U.S. citizens can even update to an international address here.
- 4 Review, submit, and save your confirmation Double-check the routing and account numbers before submitting — a typo sends your payment to the wrong account. Take a screenshot or note your confirmation once it goes through.
- 5 Keep your old bank account open until the new one is confirmed If your old account is closed before the switch finishes, the bank rejects the deposit and Treasury has to reissue it as a paper check — that can add another week or two to actually getting paid. Wait until you see one payment land in the new account before closing the old one. CRITICAL: Do not close your old bank account until you've verified your first payment landed in the new one.
What to have ready if you call or visit an office
- Your Social Security number
- Your new bank's routing number and your account number
- Your current address on file (and your new one, if you're also moving)
- Your Direct Express card number, if you're switching from that instead of a bank account
Why this changed in 2025, and what it means for you
SSA sped up direct deposit changes to about one business day in March 2025, replacing a process that had held changes for up to 30 days — a real improvement if you're mid-move or switching banks. The tradeoff came at the same time: SSA also tightened identity verification, so if you can't or don't want to use a my Social Security account, you now generally need to verify your identity in person rather than entirely by phone. Some banks also offer Automated Enrollment (ENR), where your new bank sends your direct deposit information straight to SSA for you — worth asking about before you do it yourself.
Social Security will never ask for your banking information or other personal details over the phone to give you a cost-of-living adjustment, a bigger check, or any other unsolicited benefit — that's one of SSA's own listed signs of a scam call.
Time this carefully around your payment date. SSI arrives on the 1st of the month; retirement and disability payments land on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday depending on your birth date. Submitting a change right before your scheduled payment date, rather than a few days ahead of it, is the most common reason people end up waiting on a paper check.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Social Security direct deposit change actually take?
About one business day, per SSA's March 2025 policy update covering both online and in-person requests. That's a major change from the old process, which held changes for up to 30 days.
Can I change my address or direct deposit online if I get SSI?
No. SSA's My Profile tool lets SSI recipients view their address and payment method, but not change them online. You'll need to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local office instead.
What happens if I close my old bank account too soon?
The bank rejects the deposit and sends it back, and Treasury has to reissue your payment as a paper check — a delay that can add another week or two on top of the original processing time. Keep the old account open until you've confirmed at least one payment landed in the new one.
Will Social Security ever ask for my bank password or PIN over the phone?
No. Legitimate SSA representatives don't ask for banking passwords, PINs, or gift card numbers, and they won't pressure you for personal or banking details in exchange for a bigger payment. Hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 yourself if a call feels off.
Can I schedule exactly when my address change takes effect?
Yes — when you update your address through the My Profile tab, SSA lets you choose the effective date. Direct deposit changes don't work the same way; those now simply process in about one business day once submitted.
Reviewed against official SSA guidance. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4
Ready to visit in person? Find your local SSA field office and check live hours