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.
Jonah S.
A family member stole the identity of a dead child (atound his age) and got a SSN in that dead person’s name and has been living as that person for decades. He is collecting social security payments now under that false identity. Can anything be done to stop this?
Richard M.
sorry but this is BULL…how many people on Social Security are on line? How many of those people know how to access the information and update it? You are forcing people to do something that is NOT necessary. the Fraud rate for Social Security is LESS THAN 1%.
Elizabeth G.
Who needs to verify identity…new applicants only or people who are already receiving retirement social security payments??
C-Mo
My LOGIN no longer works On ANY of the 3 methods that used to work.
I ENTERED MY SS NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH, NAME, AND E-MAIL AND WAS TOLD MY INFORMATION *IS NOT RECOGNIZED*
WHAT is going on???
My account has been valid for more than ten years and my log-in information has not changed but I am LOCKED OUT.
Carol A.
I’m in BC Canada and undergoing Cancer treatment my nearest SSA office is four hours away, I couldn’t possibly get there to verify who I am. Can I do this with a Notary in Canada?
Donna l.
I am recieving surviving spouse benefits as of 02/2024. Do i need to go to social security to verify who I am due to DOGE
Jodi
Please clarify if this will be for everyone applying for disability or retirement benefits. Offices are already understaffed and don’t have enough people to answer phones or process claims.
Clorinda P.
If you want to leave your payment schedule as it stands now – are you still required to go to a SSA office? You have made this whole SSA thing way too hard and strict! Just send me my check to my bank account as usual. Thank you.
Altadena D.
Please do not shut down Social Security because of this recent law suit. We already assume DOGE has all our personal information already.
Thank you.
Robert A.
I get My social security benefits thru direct Express card. Do I have to go to field office and prove my identity?
Ronojit R.
h