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/.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: General Information, my Social Security account, online services
See CommentsAbout the Author
Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration
Comments
Leave a Comment
Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment. For your safety, please do not post Personally Identifiable Information (such as your Social Security Number, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or birthdate) on our blog.
Cathy
My social number was compromised I called ssi to see if they could flag it to be sure no fraud accurred with it in their system and they can’t. I’d like to see you develop something to flagged my account if my card was used, and verify that it was me. Similar to a bank asking did you make this charge. Have some type of fraud prevention.
Ren S.
your website is broken. We can only read page #1with comments, the rest is unavailable. Please fix the rest.
Marilu
I got my retroactive payment the second week of march which I was expecting because my records show that Social Security payments were not reflected for several years that I worked as a teacher in Puerto Rico. I logged into my SS account after having to verify my personal information by loading my driver’s license. I also will get a monthly increase of over 100$, which I was entitled to for working as a teacher for 34 years in public schools.
Mary S.
How does this new requirement effect someone who has applied and receiving SS for awhile.
I wasn’t aware of opening an online account, until now. My SS payments is sent by direct deposit to my checking account. Would I still be required to prove my identity?
Sharyn
I really feel extremely bad for the very disabled who are struggling with any known disease. And it’s difficult for me person at 74 as I don’t have a vehicle, and only have a senior ID. And now I’ll have to get. Uber or other way to meander to the SSa pay money to get there which I have a very low budget. They s is not right! Who’s idea was this????
Mary S.
How does this new requirement effect someone who has applied and receiving SS?
I wasn’t aware of opening an online account, until now.
Tammy L.
I already receive widows benefits through direct deposit. Will these changes affect my benefits.
Tammie W.
No that doesn’t have anything to do with that. I don’t know where people are telling people we lose our social we got no no no no no no no. It doesn’t have anything to do with that this only applies to people who are getting starting a new what you call it clean or have to change your bank information for their deposits go, if you don’t have an own of what do you call it my social security account go make one and use the government ID that I have one I go and check my every you know so you can go in and see what’s going on. But no that don’t have anything to do with that don’t listen to the news don’t listen to other people scare you cuz I draw the same thing that you’re drawing and I’m not no more worried about that than the Man in the Moon. Cuz I just went on my account and I looked and my check will be here April the 3rd. No I’m sorry for the long post but no no no no no go make you an account online account with my social security.gov and set up your account so you can get in there and see all that.
Lonnie G.
I think it’s stupid and unnecessary making it harder to use the system that’s already complicated and confusing as it is especially for elder Americans very stupid on your part SSA
Laura D.
Right now my mother is getting her social security check put into her checking account. She doesn’t need to change her direct deposit information. It’s the same account. Does she still have to prove her identity?
Tammie W.
No no. I wish people would stop scaring people this does not apply to people who already get social security they know who we are. And you need to make your mama my social security.gov make her online account so you can go in and monitor you know and see have her going she can check her account and stuff. Do not listen to the news media please they’ll drive you crazy.
Mary K.
Just a brief question –
If I already have direct deposit and I want to keep it the same way I’ve had it-that means I don’t have to do anything -is that correct?