Social Security keeps reverting my direct deposit changes - what can I do?

I had something similar happen last year with my retirement benefits. Here's what worked for me: go to the office IN PERSON again, but this time ask them to print out a confirmation of the change while you're there. Also ask them to note in your file that you've had multiple failed attempts. Sometimes there's a system flag on accounts that keeps reverting changes - often for security reasons if they suspect potential fraud. The representative needs to specifically remove that flag, which they might not have known to do previously.

my mom had this same thing happen! the problem was she had direct deposit AND the direct express card at the same time and SS system kept defaulting back to the card. do u have both payment methods by any chance???

The Social Security Administration's system is NOTORIOUSLY awful with banking changes!!! I worked as a financial advisor for years and saw this CONSTANTLY. They claim it's for "security" but it's really just their ancient computer systems. Here's what you NEED to do: 1. Do NOT make the change online again - it clearly doesn't work 2. Go in person with your ID, SS card, AND a voided check 3. Ask specifically for a supervisor - not a regular rep 4. DEMAND they give you Form SSA-1199 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) 5. Have them complete it WITH you and get a receipt/confirmation If they say it's "already been done" - don't leave until they show you PROOF in their system. The online system and their internal system don't always sync properly.

same thing with me happened but they were sending money to someone elses account for 3 MONTHS!!! i had to fight to get my backpayments it was terribel. make sure you check every month until its fixed!!!

When you have issues with direct deposit changes not sticking, it's often because there's a payment already scheduled in their processing cycle. The change might appear to take effect initially, but then the pre-scheduled payment overrides it in their system. I discovered that calling SSA directly can actually resolve this faster than the online system or sometimes even in-person visits. The phone representatives have access to a different interface than what you see online. I've had great success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to SSA quickly. They have a service that helps you bypass the long hold times. I was connected to a representative in less than 15 minutes when it normally takes hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The phone rep should be able to see exactly why your changes aren't sticking and can manually override whatever is causing the issue.

Not to make you more worried, but my sister had her payment go to a closed account because of a similar issue and it took 2+ months to get it straightened out. SS told her that once a payment is sent to a closed account, it bounces back to Treasury, not directly back to SS. And then Treasury has to reissue it which takes forever. So def keep that old account open!!!!

There's a specific timing issue that might be happening here. Direct deposit changes at SSA must be processed by a certain cutoff date each month to take effect for the next payment cycle. Based on my experience helping clients with Social Security matters, here's what might be occurring: 1. If you make a change after the monthly processing date (usually around the 20th-25th of the month), it won't take effect until the following month's payment 2. Sometimes the change appears to be accepted in the system, but doesn't actually implement until a full processing cycle has passed 3. There may be a "verification period" flagged on your account due to the multiple change attempts When you go back to the office, ask specifically about the PROCESSING DATE for direct deposit changes. Request that they note in your file that you've made multiple attempts to change your information. Also ask if there's a verification hold or fraud protection flag on your account that might be interfering with the change. Make sure to get the name and direct extension of the representative helping you, so you can follow up directly if needed.

Kinda off topic but make sure ur new bank isnt one of those online only banks some of them have problems with SS deposits my cousin tried to switch to Chime and it was a whole mess!!

After reading through all these responses, I think your best approach is a two-pronged strategy: 1. Make an in-person appointment at your local office with these specific requests: - Ask to speak with a Technical Expert or Supervisor - Bring the Form SSA-1199 (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) already filled out - Request written confirmation of the change - Ask them to check for any fraud flags or verification holds - Get the exact processing date for when changes take effect 2. In the meantime, contact your old bank and: - Explain the situation with Social Security - Ask how long they can keep the old account open - Find out their specific procedure for handling deposits to closed accounts - See if they can set up automatic transfers to your new account This approach covers you from both ends and gives you the best chance of a smooth transition without missing any payments.