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Correcting the Record About Social Security Direct Deposit and Telephone Services

March 12, 2025 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: April 18, 2025

Social Security Administration SealRecent reports in the media that Social Security plans to eliminate telephone services are inaccurate. SSA is increasing its protection for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone.

SSA continuously investigates and analyzes potential threats to strengthen and secure our programs and protect people who receive benefits. Approximately 40 percent of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with someone calling SSA to change direct deposit bank information. SSA’s current protocol of simply asking identifying questions by telephone is no longer enough to prevent fraud.

If someone needs to change their bank account information on SSA’s record, they will need to either:

  • Use two-factor authentication with SSA’s “my Social Security” service; or
  • Visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity.

These methods align with most major banks.

All other SSA telephone services remain unchanged.

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  1. Rae

    I wish that when changing my direct deposit it didn’t take 1 or 2 months for it to go into effect. I wish it could take less time

    Reply
  2. Tia L.

    The social security customer service agent is the one who made the mistake not me so I now have to go into the office to hopefully get me check straightened out. I’m disabled it’s hard to get good O2 already but now I hope that it can be fixed

    Reply
  3. Kenneth K.

    How do I update my Social Security direct deposit information

    Reply
    • Colleen P.

      How can I change my direct deposit?

      Reply
      • Keysha B.

        My new routing number and account number thanks Keysha Bernard
        Routing number 125109006 account number 10927450721

        Reply
  4. laurie g.

    Do you have to have a real id to enter a ss office?

    Reply
    • Colleen P.

      Yes

      Reply
  5. Lydia S.

    I am on Social Security Disability and my benefits are deposited to my Direct Express debit card. Do I need to confirm my identity online?#

    Reply
  6. Donna P.

    I keep trying to call the 800 number, but after the first ring it hangs up. How can I get through to speak to someone?

    Reply
  7. Michael

    Where is the data supporting the claim that 40% of the SSI fraud emanates from changing bank accounts?

    And aren’t you ending telephone service for people seeking to change their mailing address as well?

    Reply
    • Carmen D.

      I had fraud & my account was compromised, my bank (credit union) advised me to contact the social security office to correct my records on direct deposit.

      Reply
      • Margaret R.

        I changed banks and opened a new account. The new bank handled the process for me: I signed a letter, they sent it to Social Security, and I received my payment the next month.

        Reply
  8. BERITA

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    Reply

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