Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 18, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits against fraudulent activity. Over the next two weeks, SSA will carefully transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes. Individuals seeking these services who cannot use their personal my Social Security account, which requires online identity proofing, will then need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person. At the same time, the agency will expedite processing all direct deposit change requests – both in person and online – to one business day. Prior to this change, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”
The agency’s two-week transition plan includes training frontline employees and management about the new policy and careful monitoring of policy compliance. At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone. However, the claim cannot be completed until the individual’s identity is verified in person. The agency therefore recommends calling to request an in-person appointment to begin and complete the claim in one interaction. Individuals with and without an appointment will need to prove identity before starting a transaction. Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information, can visit a local office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.
SSA recently required nearly all agency employees, including frontline employees in all offices throughout the country, to work in the office five days a week. This change ensures maximum staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.
SSA plans to implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s payment integrity service called Account Verification Service (AVS). AVS provides instant bank verification services to proactively and timely prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests.
The agency will continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments, to ensure it pays the right person the right amount at the right time while at the same time safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers.
People who do not already have a “my Social Security” account can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security account, online services
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Tom C.
As a caregiver for an elderly SSrecipient, this is inherently a bad idea. Many elderly people have little to no computer knowledge, and the logistics of getting to an in person location are highly problematic.
Nick T.
of bank and letter from Soc Sec saying my Bank info was incorrect. I updated name of bank and other required info, so now when should I expect a direct deposit ?
It’s been 4 days and I don’t know if I need to do more.
Your response would be appreciated.
Rick
Have do not have a working pancreas and have been denied 3 times. Not one person will talk to me and explain. You wait on hold for 3 hours. Who has that time to be on hold. 3 hours and nothing gets resolved. I’ll be in person now standing at the door for my appointment
Lynda H.
I’m a US citizen living in Europe and the SS online benefit platform isn’t as straightforward for people with foreign addresses. I am due to claim my retirement benefits in 2026. Does this mean I have to fly to the US to sign up in person?
Kay S.
Why did I ever think social security was my money?
Money withheld from my paychecks by my various employers, various employers matching my deductions and money paid quarterly by me when I was self-employed, over 46 years.
The same funds used at will by the United States Federal Government.
Harry W.
If I’m a new applicant and file online with ID.ME, do I still have to make an appointment to go in person?
Nathan S.
I have the same question. I’m already approved and identified. Do I need to do anything?
Lee P.
How in the heck do I get my check. I had a legal issue in the state of Texas. Now, the requirements for people who are poor or have been incarcerated, is almost impossible. I am presently receiving my Social Security retirement. Check, what are they going to do, take away my retirement that I worked for for 45 years. And one other thing. I’ve had a drivers license for 45 years. WHY IS THAT SO DIFFICULT AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS HAS MY INFORMATION FOR OVER 50 YEARS????
Jack C.
This is the stupidest idea to control the money flow of citizens there are elder citizens that have mobility problems n direct deposit is very convenient for them my own mother is one of them ,with this dumb communist administration joke of a president n freeloader of Musk that made himself rich on taxpayers money with all the subsidies money he received, n the conflict of interest with him working with NASA n the administration, he bites the hand that fed him he stole so much money n he is not even a citizen , so why does trump love him so much , trump is a traitor n fake , coward , loud mouth joke, n Musk is a leech n scavenger , mercenary, traitor , dictator s both n the worst criminals to have a bit of power n thanks to the blind ignorant vote of a lot of citizens , this country is sinking n with this Russia loving joke of a criminal convicted president the country has it’s sinking quick
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Comments pagination is fucked up!
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some pages don’t link to all pages of comments!
something’s TOTALLY CORRUPTED in the display or in the DB.
Which page will this comment end up on? Will ANYONE see it?