How to Set Up Direct Deposit for Social Security Benefits
If you receive Social Security benefits, you may still receive paper checks in the mail. This can mean the inconvenience of going to the bank, as well as potential mail delays. By enrolling in direct deposit, the Social Security Administration will automatically deposit your funds into your checking or savings account.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Gather your Social Security and banking information. In particular, you will need your claim number and payment type, both of which are located on your check, as well as your savings or checking account number and bank routing number.
-
2
Set up direct deposit by mail or in person. Simply visit your bank with your information and ask them to enroll you in direct deposit. Alternatively, you can download and fill out a "Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form," available as a PDF through the Social Security website (see Resources). Fill out Section 1 on the form, sign and date it. If you have a joint savings or checking account, the other holder will need to sign it as well. Bring the form to your bank and have a representative fill out sections 2 and 3. A bank employee can then mail the application on your behalf, or you may bring it to your local Social Security office.
-
-
3
Set up direct deposit by phone. Call the Social Security Administration at 800-722-1213. A representative will take your information and enroll you.
-
4
Set up direct deposit online. Visit the Social Security Online Services website (see Resources), signing in with your social security number and password, and inputting your information into the appropriate fields. If you do not have a password, you may obtain a "Password Request Code" at the Password Services website (see Resources). Social Security will mail a code to you. You can use the code to obtain a permanent password at the same website.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you don't know your account's routing number, you'll find the nine-digit number in the lower left corner of one of your checks. You can't set up direct deposit without a routing number.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bank image by Pefkos from Fotolia.com
