Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 26, 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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Barbara
You are closing the Melbourne Florida Social Security office. When will that happen? Maybe you should complete this physical verification before closing the office! Just a very smart suggestion.
Raymond R.
Fixing a problem that does not exist.
Nick
I hope this will not create problems for my dad, who is in a nursing home and has extremely advanced alzheimers.
Rodrigo C.
Requiring in person identity verification while firing half of SSA’s staff and shutting offices makes no sense unless you want people to be frustrated and miss benefits.
Judy G.
Are you also going to improve the appeals process? Or process of other services? Had an appeal open for 18mo. Had to refile it 3 times because of lack of processing on your part. Missed a deadline by a couple days on last appeal. So, now I a lost the process. You were quick on that part!!
Alice V.
What about disabled people who can’t travel, forcing people to come in person can cause hardship
April G.
Am I going to lose my social security and my medicaid
June C.
I think this is horrible that you are doing this to elderly. I have been on SS for 18 yrs and my husband has been on it for15 yrs. We went through this when we applied for our SS many yrs ago. My husband has bad legs from cancer treatment and you expect us to go to SS office and possibly stand outside for hours in line just to let people like Elon Musk to get satisfaction that we are real citizen. What has this country come to. We have worked 35 yrs to get our checks and they are not welfare payments. The money was taken from our checks and now it possibly will be taken back by the government to line the the pockets of President and so one who has more money then they are able to count. You should all be ashamed of yourselves but I’m sure your not
jo l.
Trump and his addministration headed by billionairs is a disgrace. They are closing AT LEAST 47 offices and cutting staffing. But, NOW, you expect people to go to offices to identify themselves for a simple direct deposit change. Social Security is widely regarded as one of tanationhe most successful and effective programs ever enacted by the U.S. government. It has a high payment accuracy rate well over 99% with safeguards against improper payments. Yesterdy, I received notice from Social Security saying my retirement payment will be cut $350 in April for over payment. No explanation, no particulars, when this happened or anything. I will appeal. After monthly deductible I bring in $16K a year. I hate Trump so much I shake with furry.
Patricia V.
Sorry that I must vent. You can remove this comment if you wish, but I’m going to state a strong opinion:
What a disgrace living with our current Commander in Chief! Pres. Trump should have never been voted in. We now All Must Suffer. It’s like being on a Titanic ship where no survivors are possible if anyone stays on board. Except, of course, only the rich who are not on this cruise are spared.
Kimberley W.
Why are you blatantly LYING about alleged improvement of services? You know you are cutting them. You pigs.