Social Security Administration | Direct Deposit

Already receiving benefits

If you already receive Social Security or SSI benefits and you have a bank account, you can sign up for Direct Deposit by:

• starting or changing Direct Deposit online (Social Security benefits only), or
• contacting your bank, credit union or savings and loan association, or
• calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or
• visiting your local Social Security Field Office.

You can also sign up for the Direct Express® debit card. The Direct Express® card is a debit card you can use to access your benefits and you don’t need a bank account.

With the Direct Express® card program, your federal benefit payment directly deposits into your card account. Your monthly benefits will be available on your payment day—on time, every time. You can use the card to make purchases, pay bills or get cash at thousands of locations.

It’s quick and easy to sign up for the card. Call the toll-free Direct Express® hotline at 1-800-333-1795. Also, Social Security can help you sign up.

If you receive a paper check, you may visit Treasury’s webpage – Go Direct® – Home to enroll in direct deposit.

If you don’t have a bank account, you must open an account before you can sign up for Direct Deposit. (You don’t need a bank account when you sign up for the Direct Express® card.) You should shop around in your area to find an account that has the features you want at a price you can afford. When you decide on the account that is right for you, let the representative at the financial institution know that you are interested in signing up to receive your benefits by Direct Deposit.

Not currently receiving benefits

If you don’t get Social Security or SSI benefits yet but are planning to apply, tell the Social Security representative when you apply for benefits that you want to sign up for Direct Deposit. If you already have an account, have your checkbook or a copy of your bank statement with you.