Direct Deposit Account
Set Up or Change Your Direct Deposit of Benefit Payment
With Direct Deposit, electronic payments are made directly into your bank account — there’s no check, and no trip to the bank. It’s just a predictable way of receiving money, and a more convenient way of benefiting from digital tools and money management apps that can help you budget. For taxpayers to track the status of their payment, this feature will show taxpayers the scheduled delivery date by direct deposit or mail and the last four digits of the bank account being used. Into an existing bank account via Direct Deposit or Onto a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® Direct Deposit is the best electronic payment option for you because it is: Safe – Since your money goes directly into the bank in the form of an electronic transfer, there's no risk of a check being lost or stolen. The IRS program is called direct deposit. You can use it to deposit your refund into one, two or even three accounts. Eight out of 10 taxpayers get their refunds by using Direct Deposit. It is simple, safe and secure.
Although direct deposit can be near-instantaneous, the actual time frame for the money to hit your account can depend somewhat on where the money is coming from.
Do you want to set up or change the direct deposit of your benefit payment? We are constantly expanding and improving our online services, including the ability to set up or change your direct deposit information. If you already receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and you have a bank account, simply log in to or create your personal and secure mySocial Security account.
What is Direct Deposit?
Direct deposit is a simple, safe, and secure way to get benefits. If you need us to send your payment to a bank or credit union account, have all of the following information ready when you apply.
- Social Security number
- Bank routing transit number
- Account type (checking or savings)
- Account number
How to Set Up or Change Direct Deposit of Benefit Payment Online
- Log in to your account.
- Sign in and Select the blue Benefits & Payment Details link on the right side of the screen.
- Scroll down and select the Update Direct Deposit button, and choose if you are the owner or co-owner of the bank account.
- Enter your bank account information and select Next.
- Review and verify your banking information and select Submit then select Done.
- You can also decide when your change will take effect, by simply using the My Profile tab within mySocial Security.
Don't have a mySocial Security Account?
Creating a free mySocial Security account takes less than 10 minutes, lets you set up or change your direct deposit and gives you access to many other online services.
Additional information related to this service
As of March 1, 2013, you are required to receive your payments electronically. If you applied for benefits before that date and did not sign up for electronic payments at that time, we strongly urge you to do so now. For more information regarding switching to an electronic payment if you don’t have a bank account, visit Treasury’s Go Direct website or call the helpline at 1-800-333-1795.
Direct Deposit Account Number
Still have questions?
If you have questions or need help understanding how to set up or change direct deposit online, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your Social Security office. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Change your VA direct deposit information for disability compensation, pension benefits, or education benefits online.
How can I change my VA direct deposit information online?
Disability compensation and pension benefit payments
If you receive disability compensation or pension payments from VA, you can update your direct deposit information in your VA.gov profile. You'll need your bank's routing number and account number to make the updates.
Note: You'll need to sign in to VA.gov to update your direct deposit information. Once signed in, you'll have to verify your identity and set up 2-factor authentication only if you've haven't done this already.
If you have questions, please call us at 800-827-1000. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Or go to your nearest VA regional office.
Education benefits
If you receive education benefit payments from VA, you'll need to sign in to eBenefits to update your direct deposit information. You'll need your bank's routing number and account number to make the updates.
Please sign in to eBenefits to change your direct deposit information for education benefits
To use this feature, you'll need a Premium DS Logon account. Your My HealtheVet or ID.me credentials won’t work on the eBenefits website. Go to eBenefits to sign in, register, or upgrade your DS Logon account to Premium.
How else can I update my VA payment information?
To update your direct deposit information or the address on your paper checks, you can:
- Call us at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), or
- Call us at 918-781-7550(for international direct deposit updates), or
- Go to your nearest VA regional office and change this information in person
Note: If you don’t have access to the internet or a phone, you can update your direct deposit information with Standard Form 1199a (PDF).
What if I don’t have a bank account, but I want to use direct deposit?
Direct Deposit Account Payable
The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) provides a list of Veteran-friendly banks and credit unions that will work with you to set up an account, or help you qualify for an account, so you can use direct deposit.
To get started, call one of the participating banks or credit unions listed on the VBBP website. Be sure to mention the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.
More information
Direct Deposit Account Name
How to change direct deposit information for VA education benefits
Follow our step-by-step instructions for making changes to your VA direct deposit information for education benefit payments.
How to change direct deposit information for VA disability or pension
Follow our step-by-step instructions for making changes to your VA direct deposit information for VA disability or pension benefit payments.