With our busy lives, it is easy to fall into that cycle of constantly postponing tasks because of other things that need immediate attention. This may be true for you when it comes to changing your direct-deposit information for Social Security benefits.

Unfortunately, procrastinating on reporting changes can lead to delayed payments, resulting in undue hardship with bills and living expenses.

Ultimately, it’s less hassle — and less stressful — if you report a direct-deposit change as soon as it occurs.

How can you make these changes? The most convenient way is by creating a Social Security account online at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Once you create your account, you can update your bank information without leaving the comfort of your home.

Another way to make changes is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

If you prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit your local Social Security office.

What information will Social Security need to make the direct-deposit change?

To protect your personal information, you will need some form of identification to verify who you are.

If you are online, you were verified when you initially created your Social Security account. Log in at socialsecurity.gov/signin with your secure username and password to gain instant access to your information.

If you call Social Security, you will be asked identifying questions to ensure you are the right person to make changes. If you visit the office, bring a driver’s license or some form of ID. Once you are authorized to make changes on the account, bring the bank routing number, account number and type of account. You will not need a voided check or verification from the bank.

Though the exact date varies each month, generally, you will need to report changes by the 15th to see the effect on the next check.

When the 15th falls on the weekend or a holiday, the cutoff is usually the previous business day.

Because you may be unsure if your direct-deposit change will affect your next payment, do not close the old bank account until you have seen your first Social Security deposit in the new bank account.

That way, you can feel secure you will receive your benefits on time, regardless of when the change was reported to Social Security. Waiting until you see the deposit in your new account also gives you the extra peace of mind the change has been processed.

The first step in fighting procrastination is increased awareness. It’s easy to report a direct-deposit change when you know how to report it, what information to gather and when to report the change.

Nicole Tiggemann is a spokeswoman for the Social Security Administration.