Social security change of bank account form

Overview

Through this service, you can change the Banking Details of how you are receiving your benefit or update your banking details held by the department. If you are currently receiving benefit payments by cheque, you may change your details to start receiving payments by direct deposit in a bank. If you are already receiving your payments by direct bank deposits, you may change both the bank as well as the account number (IBAN).

You can also opt to receive a payment notification via SMS when your benefit has been deposited. Through this service, you cannot change your banking details to start receiving cheque payments.

What you’ll get

• Facility to update your banking details held with the Department of Social Security online.
• Facility to change your payment method from a cheque to a direct credit.
• Facility to receive a payment notification via SMS to be informed when your benefit has been deposited.
• By authenticating with their e-ID, an Agent, Administrator, or Agent appointed by an Administrator who is duly registered with the Department of Social Security, can change the banking details of the social security beneficiary being represented.

Eligibility

General eligibility criteria:

• Beneficiary is in receipt of a benefit, allowance or pension and the indicated bank account must be in the name of the beneficiary.
• A person registered under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.), can update his/her banking details held by the department even though one is not a beneficiary to date.

Requirements

To use this service, you will need:

• An e-ID account issued by Identity Malta.

Additional Information

• Benefit entitlement must be deposited in a Savings or Current account, but not a Loan Account.
• The bank account details provided will also be used for all benefits that you may be currently receiving.
• If a beneficiary has a garnishee order, he/she is to inform the preferred bank about the amendment to Article 381 of the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Cap. 12.), to have a bank account issued in the beneficiary’s name accordingly.

When a Payment is not received

If a deposit in the bank account is not finalised because of an incorrect account number or closure of an account, the claimant is to notify the Department of Social Security immediately online. The procedure is the following:

• The Department of Social Security will notify the Bank regarding the transaction.
• The Bank carries out the necessary checks to specify the reason why the direct credit was not finalised.
• If the transaction is cleared, an alternative Bank account number is to be provided by the beneficiary for payment to be processed.

This procedure normally takes from 10 to 15 days to be finalised.

How to access the service

The user must authenticate to access Banking Details service.

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Practical information to help you get your Social Security benefits in the account where they belong

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Starting in 2013, a new law went into effect that requires all Social Security benefits to be deposited electronically in a bank account. If you need to make changes to your direct deposit information, you can do so either online or over the phone. If you no longer want direct deposit, you may request a waiver. Waivers are only granted for limited reasons.[1]

1. 

   1

   Gather your information. If you want to change your direct deposit information online, it's a good idea to get any necessary documents together before you go to the Social Security website. That way you won't have to stop and hunt for information.[2]

   • For example, if you've opened a new bank account that you want to use for your direct deposit, get your bank account numbers and other information and have them handy.
   • You also may need to provide or confirm your Social Security number.

2. 

   2

   Confirm your eligibility to make changes online. Nearly anyone who currently receives Social Security benefits can change their direct deposit information using the Social Security website. However, you'll have to call the helpline if you live overseas and do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are using a foreign bank.

   • If you haven't yet set up an account on the Social Security website, you also may want to call the website. When you set up a new account, you'll have to wait for a temporary password in the mail. This may cause a delay before you can access your account.[3]

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3. 

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   Visit the Social Security website. To change your direct deposit information, go to the Social Security website at https://www.ssa.gov. In the upper corner you'll see a link to log in to your account. Click that link and enter your user name and password.[4]

   • Once you've logged into your account, select the "direct deposit" link in your account information to access the settings you want to change.

4. 

   4

   Enter your new information. From your online account, you can change the bank name or account number, as well as your own name, address, or other information associated with your account.[5]

   • If you have difficulty typing or seeing information on a computer screen, you may want a trusted friend or family member to help you change this information.
   • If you move, make sure you change your address with Social Security as soon as possible. Even if you still use the same bank account, differences in this information may delay your benefits.

5. 

   5

   Verify your changes were made. Once you've made the necessary changes, double-check your documents to make sure you've entered everything correctly before you submit your information. A box will pop up letting you know that your changes have been made successfully.[6]

   • If the page gives you the option to print a confirmation, you may want to do this so you have the confirmation for your records.

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1. 

   1

   Have your information ready. Before you call the helpline, take the time to get your Social Security card and any addresses or bank account information that you'll need to provide to the representative.[7]

2. 

   2

   Call the Social Security helpline. You can change your Social Security direct deposit over the phone by calling the Social Security helpline at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.[8]

   • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the Social Security TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
   • When you call, make sure you are in a private place where your conversation won't be overheard by strangers. You will have to provide the representative with your Social Security number.

3. 

   3

   Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit. The representative will verify your identity by asking you a few questions and requesting your Social Security number. Then they'll take down the information you want to change and make the changes for you.[9]

   • Take notes during the phone call, including the representative's name, in case you have any problems later with your direct deposit.

4. 

   4

   Request confirmation of the change. Have the representative repeat the information you gave them so you can verify that it matches your records. Ask if they will send you written confirmation that the change has taken place.[10]

   • Monitor your bank account and call the helpline again if you don't receive your benefits.

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1. 

   1

   Download the waiver form. If you want to receive a paper check, you'll need to get in touch with the Treasury Department, wish issues Social Security payments. While U.S. law requires payments be made by direct deposit, there are some exceptions.[11]

   • You can find the waiver form online at https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/EFT%20Waiver%20Form.pdf.
   • You can also request a waiver by calling the Treasury Department at 1-855-290-1545. This is a toll-free call.

2. 

   2

   Review the reasons waivers are granted. In most cases it is to your benefit to receive your benefits through direct deposit rather than a paper check. However, people may receive paper checks for very limited reasons.[12]

   • If you cannot manage a bank account due to a mental impairment, you may be able to get a waiver. Waivers are also available for people born on or before May 1, 1921.
   • Some areas, typically outside the United States, are so remote and lacking in infrastructure that financial institutions capable of accepting electronic transactions don't exist.

3. 

   3

   Complete your form. The form requesting paper checks requires you to provide personal information as well as explain the reason you're requesting the waiver. If you receive more than one check, you'll need a separate form for each check you receive.[13]

   • If you have trouble writing, you can get someone to fill out the form for you. However, you must personally sign the form. Your signature certifies that all the information on the form is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

4. 

   4

   Submit your form to the Treasury Department. Once you've completed the form, you need to mail it to U.S. Treasury, Electronic Payment Solution Center, PO Box 650015, Dallas, TX 75265-0015.[14]

   • Before you mail the form, look over it and make sure all sections are complete. If you mail an incomplete form, it won't be processed.

5. 

   5

   Contact the Treasury Department for status updates. Since you have to mail the form, you can expect it to take several weeks before it is processed and a decision is made whether to grant your waiver.[15]

   • You can call the Treasury Department at 1-855-290-1545 to find out if your waiver request was received or if it has been granted. Wait at least 2 or 3 weeks after you mail your form before you call.

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Add New Question

• Question

  What if I change my bank account when changing my social security deposits?

  

  Keep your old account until you see your social security check deposited into your new account. Then, cancel your old account. It can take up to 60 days to make the change go into effect.

• Question

  How long does it take for a change in direct deposit to take effect?

  

  I work in a credit union, and I typically see the new deposit occur within 30-60 days after someone changes the direct deposit information.

• Question

  Can my spouse leave me and take my SSID direct deposit and refuse to give it back?

  

  No, your spouse cannot do this. If it is your SSID deposit, then no one except a legal guardian can take it from you.

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• It can take 30 to 60 days for direct deposit changes to take effect, regardless of the method you use to make those changes. If you've opened a new bank account, don't close your old one until you're certain your Social Security benefits are being deposited into your new account.[16]

  As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

To change your Social Security direct deposit online, start by gathering your bank numbers and social security card, then logging into your account on the Social Security website. Once you're logged in, click the "direct deposit" link and enter the updated information you want to use. Then, double-check your documents to make sure you've entered everything in correctly before you press submit. When you're ready, submit your changes. From here, you should see a pop-up box confirming that your changes have successfully been made. If the page gives you the option to print a confirmation, consider printing it for your records. For more tips, including how to change your Social Security direct deposit over the phone, keep reading!

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