Fill out SF-1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form) online
Standard Form 1199A is the official federal Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form used to authorize the U.S. government to deposit payments (such as Social Security, federal salary, or tax refunds) directly into your bank account.
How to fill out SF-1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form)
Enter payee information
Provide your name, address, phone number, and the type of payment you want deposited (Social Security, federal salary, etc.).
Enter bank account information
Write your bank name, routing transit number (9 digits), account number, and whether it is a checking or savings account.
Financial institution certification
Have your bank or credit union complete Section 4 to verify your account information. They will stamp or print their routing number and certify the account details.
Sign and submit to paying agency
Sign and date the form, then submit it to the federal agency that makes your payments. Allow 30-60 days for direct deposit to take effect.
About SF-1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form)
Who needs this form
Anyone receiving recurring federal government payments who wants to set up or change direct deposit. This includes Social Security recipients, federal employees, military retirees, veterans receiving VA benefits, and others receiving federal payments.
Where to submit
Submit to the federal agency making the payment. For Social Security, contact SSA. For federal salary, submit to your payroll office. For VA benefits, contact the VA.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering the wrong bank routing number or account number
- Not having the financial institution certify the form (Section 4)
- Forgetting to specify whether the account is checking or savings
- Not notifying the agency if you change bank accounts after enrollment
Frequently asked questions
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Can I set up direct deposit without using SF-1199A?
In many cases, yes. Many federal agencies now offer online direct deposit enrollment. For Social Security, you can set up or change direct deposit at ssa.gov or by calling SSA. For federal employees, your payroll system may have electronic enrollment. However, SF-1199A remains the standard paper form accepted by all federal agencies.
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