How long for Social Security direct deposit to change banks? Urgent timeline needed!
I just submitted a request to change my Social Security direct deposit from Chase to my new account at Bank of America (closed Chase after their ridiculous new fees). The SSA rep told me it would take effect with my next payment, but I'm reading online that it could take 30-60 days?! My next SS payment is supposed to hit on the 3rd, but I've already closed my Chase account. Has anyone recently changed their direct deposit bank? How long did it ACTUALLY take? I'm worried my money will disappear into the void between banks. This is my only income and I can't afford any delays.
22 comments
QuantumQuest
I switched my direct deposit from Wells Fargo to a credit union last year. The change took effect with my very next payment - about 12 days after I made the request. SSA is pretty efficient with this particular process. Just make sure you keep your old account open until you see the deposit hit your new account to be safe!
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Paolo Rizzo
•Oh no... I already closed the Chase account yesterday. Do you think my payment will bounce back or just disappear? Should I call SSA tomorrow???
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Amina Sy
SSA standard processing time for direct deposit changes is 30-45 days, but in PRACTICE it usually happens by the next payment cycle. The issue is your closed account. When the payment attempts to deposit into a closed account, it will be returned to Treasury, and THEN they'll mail you a paper check to your address on file. This can add 5-10 more days to receive your money.
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Paolo Rizzo
•A PAPER CHECK?? I haven't gotten mail delivery at my apartment in weeks because of issues with our mailboxes! This is a nightmare.
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Oliver Fischer
dont panik yet!! my mom had this exact thing happen. she closed her Regions acct before the SS$ hit new bank. but SSA was super fast and payment went to new bank with no problems!!
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Paolo Rizzo
•That gives me a little hope. When did this happen with your mom? Recently? I'm just worried because everything with the government usually takes forever.
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Natasha Petrova
I work as a financial counselor for seniors, and I see this situation frequently. Here's what actually happens: 1. If you made the change through the SSA office or phone: It typically processes within 7-10 business days 2. If you made the change through your my Social Security account online: It can process as quickly as 2-3 business days The 30-60 day timeframe is an overestimate for safety. However, since you've already closed your Chase account, here's what will likely happen: If the change hasn't processed in time, Treasury will attempt to deposit to Chase, Chase will reject it, and Treasury will issue a paper check to your address on record with SSA. This process adds about 10-14 days. I strongly recommend calling SSA immediately to explain the situation and confirm your current mailing address. You can also request an emergency payment at your local office if you face financial hardship due to the delay.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Thank you for this detailed explanation! I did make the change through my online account, so hopefully it processes quickly. I'll definitely call SSA tomorrow morning first thing.
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Javier Morales
Same thing happened to me last year. The money never showed up and I had to wait 6 WEEKS before they would even help me track it down. SSA is a mess.
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Natasha Petrova
•That's unusual and frustrating. Was this a direct deposit change specifically, or was there another issue with your benefits? The direct deposit change process is actually one of the more streamlined SSA processes.
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Emma Davis
Has anyone tried using Claimyr to get through to SSA? I had a similar direct deposit issue last month and was going CRAZY trying to reach someone. Spent 3 days getting busy signals and disconnects. Found this service at claimyr.com that got me connected to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with was able to expedite my direct deposit change when I explained I'd already closed my old account. Payment hit my new account on time!
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Paolo Rizzo
•I've never heard of this service, but I'm desperate at this point. Did they actually help you get through to a real person? I'll try calling normally tomorrow, but if I can't get through I might try this.
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Oliver Fischer
just happened 2 my mom in February so pretty recent. she got her $$ on regular day just in new bank! try not 2 worry 2 much
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Paolo Rizzo
•Thanks, that makes me feel better since it was so recent. Fingers crossed!
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GalaxyGlider
I DID THE EXACT SAME THING LAST YEAR!!! Closed my old account too soon and panicked. Called SSA every day for a week - finally got through and they told me the payment would go to my new bank. But it DIDN'T!!! Had to wait for paper check which took FOREVER. If you need the money right away, go to your local SSA office in person and request an immediate payment. They can do it same day if you explain it's an emergency. Bring ID and proof of your bank account closure.
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Amina Sy
•This is good advice. If you're experiencing financial hardship, an in-person visit to your local SSA field office with documentation can often resolve these issues faster. Just be prepared for potentially long wait times if you go without an appointment.
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Malik Robinson
My sister works for SSA and says banking changes are actually prioritized in their system because they understand it's critical for payments. If you made the change online AND you already have one direct deposit payment history with SSA, the change should process within 3-5 business days in most cases. Since you've already closed your old account, definitely call to confirm the change is in process. Ask specifically if they can see the new account info is 'activated' in their system.
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Paolo Rizzo
•That's really helpful insider information! I've had direct deposit for years, so hopefully that helps. I'll specifically ask if the new account shows as 'activated' when I call.
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Emma Davis
Yes, definitely got me through to a real person! I was shocked because I'd been trying for days. The system kept me updated by text about my place in line, then connected me when an agent was available. Saved me a trip to the SSA office which is an hour away for me.
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Javier Morales
•Wait is this a real service? How much does it cost? Seems sketchy to pay just to talk to a government agency we already fund with our taxes! System is so broken.
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QuantumQuest
Update us on what happens! I'm curious if they'll process your change in time. The timeframes vary so much based on staffing and workloads at different offices.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Will do! I'm going to call tomorrow morning right when they open. If that doesn't work, I'll try visiting my local office or using that Claimyr service someone mentioned.
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