Correcting the Record About Social Security Direct Deposit and Telephone Services
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: March 12, 2025
Recent 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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Devin C.
Thanks so much
Bernie
Please share your wait times when calling SSA. My last call said wait time approximately 120 minutes! Great service my ass.
Kerry
And then they hang up on you
VL H.
People all over America depend upon SSA for its many services. We stand with the Administration as rumors and misstatements proliferate. Social Security helped my family after my father died when I was 12, and helps me today with retirement income. To all the people who work to make the Administration work, thank you and know you are appreciated across the nation.
Kathy S.
But you are closing offices. How does this help the 80 year old Trump voter in Missoula, Montana after you close that office and he can’t make the 113 mile (one way) trip to Helena and don’t even try to explain two-factor authorization to someone with no internet connection. Maybe you need to reconsider closing those offices, especially in the rural areas.
Barb F.
They closed the SSA office in Kalispell too…Over a three hour drive to nearest SSA office and then not sure if you can see anyone. My family member on SS benefits doesn’t have broadband and doesn’t know what two factor authentication is and we live too far away to help them.
Barb F.
You are right Kathy S. and they closed the Kalispell, Mt SSA office as well. So, over a 3 hour drive and no guarantee to even see anyone. Many in rural areas do not even have Broadband. There are seniors that are not tech savvy and don’t know what two factor authorization is…we live too far away to help out in person.
Rachel P.
As long as they don’t take away my money. I don’t want to be homeless.
Delores B.
I already have a Social security account. Do I make another one?
Eugene W.
No you just need to follow the steps to create the two-factor authentication at the “my Social Security”
Use two-factor authentication with SSA’s “my Social Security” service;
Cindy V.
Is there a way to find out my new social security amount after the WEP adjustment? I would appreciate any information….
Thank you,
Cindy Vickery
Carey L.
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
This site will show you the amount of benefits and or call the local SSI and ask for an email to field your inquiry
C.B.
Hi Cindy. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Anyone whose monthly benefit is adjusted, or who will get a retroactive payment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the benefit change or retroactive payment. For more information, visit our Social Security Fairness Act webpage. We hope this helps.
Amanda
What’s the local SSI phone number for Washington county MN?
C.B.
Hi, Amanda. Thanks for using our blog and for your question. You can find information for your local Social Security office by using the Social Security Office Locator. We hope this helps!
Andwella S.
This is outrageous. Seniors are often not digitally literate so don’t use the web or have limited knowledge. In person would have been great it proposed prior to closing so many offices. You are CLOSING a HUGE number of offices so where are they to go if in a more rural area? If they are even mobile and not home-bound. If you need more by telephone do that! Fraud is important but you need a better solution.
Carey L.
Exactly and or provide those applicants that cannot drive with public free transportation
Gary
Why did this take so long for the change???
Carey L.
Because it’s not needed
Super D.
Why hasn’t Gary’s question been answered?
Just kidding – I agree, it’s about time!