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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Betty M.
Thank you for this clarification. I agree with DOGE’s mission; however, targeting elderly people in their late 80s and early 90s with respect to usage of current day technologies is not helpful to those of us who fall in this segment of society, and who worked all of our lives to support ourselves and our families, is not kind. We wouldn’t survive without our social security benefits that we paid into all of our working lives, starting in our teenage years.
PopopThePatriot
Finally. Changes that actually matter. Maybe the current administration will actually fix Social Security rather than use it as a pawn.
Gloria E.
Thanks, I will share this information.
Dawn B.
This is a fucking lie the American public needs to know the truth. Musk has stolen our information and you let him. Any fraud will come from his employees stealing our information. You are allowing this asshole to act like Hitler on the White House!!!!
Tina
Were they supposed to lay down and die in order to prevent Musk from taking what he wants to no matter what anyway?? SSA employees have lives and families to consider. They didn’t “let” anything happen. Don’t misplace blame. It belongs on Trump, solely.
Kerry
You’re both mistaken, all I get is 2 hour wait times and then hung up on . This has been going on way before Trump came on the scene. Needs a complete overhaul
henry e.
In September 1990, my wife died and I did not file for spousal benefits at that time, I was unaware. In November 1992, I remarried. My question is am I elgible for those benefits for that period of time today.
Carey J.
Most people who receive SSI are older adults and frequently have difficulties with technology. Consequently, removing telephone communication without verifying that the local offices for those impacted are operational and have county transportation options/physically accessible is harmful to the applicants.
John B.
Can the bank account for direct deposit also be changed online if necessary at some time?
Kathy S.
I think you erased our previous comments. At least, they no longer show. So will try again. You are decreasing offices. How do you expect an 80 year old man in Missoula (one of the offices on the cut list), who has no clue what two-factor authorization means, to drive to Helena (113 miles one way) to make a change in his banking info. Perhaps you need to nit close this existing offices, especially in rural areas.
Carey J.
Most people who receive SSI are older adults and frequently have difficulties with technology. Consequently, removing telephone communication without verifying that the local offices for those impacted are operational and physically accessible is harmful to the applicants.
Nancy
Thank you for the info. In this new era, it’s good to know that things are OK. My social security is what I need to live on and I sincerely hope it stays on schedule. Thank you for your work.
Carey L.
I am unclear as to what comfort you took from that as I feel it is not OK?