Receive Your Benefits by Direct Deposit
Whether you're receiving a Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check or applying for benefits, we want you to sign up for direct deposit.
Deciding to receive your benefit by direct deposit may be a hard decision, and maybe you need more time to think about it. If so, you'll continue to receive your check by mail until you decide otherwise.
If you're applying for benefits, we will ask you if you have a checking or savings account so you can use direct deposit. If you don't have an account, you can receive a check. Direct deposit is a simple, safe, and secure way to receive your benefits, and you remain in control of your money.
Learn more about direct deposit for Social Security benefits.
What is Direct Deposit?
Direct deposit gets your Social Security or SSI benefit into your account quickly and safely. The U.S. Treasury sends an electronic message to your bank, savings and loan, or credit union crediting your account with the exact amount of your Social Security or SSI benefit.
You can withdraw money, put some in savings or pay bills - you can do the same things that you do with your money now. With direct deposit your check is not printed or mailed which eliminates the possibility of it being lost or stolen.
Why Direct Deposit?
We want you to give careful consideration to the safety and convenience that direct deposit provides. For the last 23 years, millions of Social Security and SSI benefit members have used direct deposit.
Social Security has delivered more than 1.8 billion direct deposit payments worth $1.9 trillion, and not one has ever been lost or stolen.
Direct Deposit Gives You Control
Besides being convenient for you and safe for your money, direct deposit puts you in control of your finances. Your money is in your account at the beginning of the business day you're scheduled to receive your benefit- even when you are out of town or unable to get to your bank, savings and loan, or credit union.
Where Can You Sign Up?
If you decide that direct deposit is right for you, contact your bank, savings and loan, or credit union. They'll be glad to help you sign up.
Or, your can sign up for direct deposit by calling the Social Security toll-free number, (800) 772-1213. Social Security will ask you a few questions to determine your identity. They will also need your account information and your Social Security number.
After you sign up for direct deposit, your benefit will be deposited to your account within 30 to 60 days. Social Security will send you a letter telling you when to expect your direct deposit to begin. If you prefer, you can also sign up for direct deposit online.
Save Social Security Dollars
Direct deposit helps save your tax dollars. It costs 43 cents to print and deliver a federal payment check. It costs 2 cents to make the same payment by direct deposit. The millions of dollars Social Security saves each month by making electronic payments means more money to pay you and your family in the future.