Routing Numbers for Government Benefits: SSA, VA, and More
Social Security, VA benefits, and other government payments all use direct deposit via ACH. Here's the routing number information you need to set them up.
Social Security, VA benefits, unemployment insurance, and other government payment programs all offer direct deposit — and most now require it. Setting up government benefit direct deposit works the same way as employer direct deposit: you provide your bank's routing number and your account number, and payments are deposited automatically on the scheduled payment date.
Social Security and SSI Direct Deposit
The Social Security Administration requires direct deposit for most beneficiaries. You can set up or update direct deposit for Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) through:
- The SSA's my Social Security online portal (ssa.gov)
- Calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- Visiting your local Social Security office
You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number for SSA direct deposit is the standard ACH routing number — the same one you'd use for employer direct deposit. Use our lookup tool to verify your routing number before submitting.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
VA compensation, pension, and GI Bill education benefits are paid via direct deposit to your bank account. Update your direct deposit information through the VA's online portal at va.gov, by calling 1-800-827-1000, or by visiting a VA regional office. The process requires your ABA routing number and account number.
For credit unions serving military members — like Navy Federal or USAA — the routing number works identically. Look up your credit union's routing number with our free tool or browse our directory.
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is administered at the state level, so the setup process varies by state. Most states have online portals where you can set up direct deposit by entering your routing number and account number. A few states still offer paper checks as an alternative, but direct deposit is typically faster.
Find your state's unemployment office through our state directory or search for your bank's routing number using our lookup tool.
Federal Tax Refunds
The IRS offers direct deposit for federal tax refunds, with the routing number entered directly on your tax return. State tax agencies generally offer the same option. For details on ensuring your refund goes to the right account, see our dedicated guide on routing numbers for tax refunds.
Other Federal Benefit Programs
- Medicare and Medicaid: Provider reimbursements use ACH; beneficiary accounts link through SSA
- Railroad Retirement Board: Direct deposit through RRB's online portal
- Office of Personnel Management: Federal employee retirement and annuity payments via direct deposit
- SNAP / EBT: Delivered via EBT card, not bank direct deposit
What If You Don't Have a Bank Account?
The US Treasury's Direct Express program provides a prepaid debit card for people who don't have bank accounts but need to receive federal benefits. Direct Express has its own routing number and account number structure, which you can look up through our tool. Alternatively, many banks and credit unions offer free or low-cost basic accounts specifically for benefit recipients.