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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Pim B.
I receive my sovial security in my bank in Amsterdam. I am 87 years of age..do I have to take an identety. Thanks for your info.
T.Y.
Thanks for reading our blog and for your question, Pim. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if you are not applying for cash benefits and if you are not changing direct deposit information. People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We hope this helps.
Kathy D.
What about someone who is on SSDI? Does the same apply? They only have to verify if they are changing direct deposit info?
Patricia S.
There needs to be more clarity. It appears many of us, current recipients, are not getting any clear information about continuing to receive our benefits. I do have access to my online account with Social Security but it’s still not clear as to whether or not I have to show up in person to verify my identity. In theory it would all good to do that. However, offices are severely understaffed and some have been shuttered, for the kind of influx of people this is going to create and it’s going to be a complete disaster. Or is that what you really want? It sure seems like someone wants it all to fail.
Tiffaney K.
Can I show up to any SSI office, especially the only one in my city in Albuquerque to keep my benefits? What date do I have to show up? What documentation do I need? Does my ID suffice?
Do I have to show up at the other Social Security office in Rio Rancho, the neighboring city? I need my benefits!
Connie
If your grandmother can login to her my social security account she (you) can update it online March 31st. If she (you) have to set up a new account, it will need to send you a code via email that takes 24 hours to get.
If she (you) cannot get it done online by March 31st then you will have to take her into a local office-Phone number for appointments is 1-800-772-1213
Connie
You don’t need to go to an office at all if you can set up an account online at ssa.gov before March 31st. Once you have set up your SSA account and login, there will be a series of questions to answer yes or not to, then your good.
If you cannot do this online you will need to call Social Security and set up an appointment to go into an office. Docs you need will be your direct deposit information, your drivers license or passport and social security card-I recommend taking proof of address as well.
Carol
Good morning,
Grandma is in her 90’s now been receiving her benefits for decades without any issues. She is asking if the new Trump administration is expecting her to personally show at her local field office and when. As her caregiving daughter with a safe vehicle to use when she is ready to go in to visit on her appointed day and time, we can do this. But what happens to other elderly who don’t drive, etc., who is going to transport these vulnerable elderly individuals?
Mike
Same thing it’s gonna happen. Does folks that can barely walk and don’t have any driver license? Either we’re going to make it there. Or our social security checks will not be coming and we can blame that on the Democrat. Thieves that have been given social security checks and dead. People so security numbers to illegal aliens and see. I already knew it was happening. Because I have 2 illegals in my family and. They’re not my blood and I don’t claim but they are both receiving. SSI and the amount they are receiving is $3000 a month now. I did look into the S S.A.’s website and I did find word is written up for the refugees from Ukraine to get $3000 a month in SSI and The Only way they can Do That is by using the Dead people’s self security numbers you’re thinking about? That for a minute, 23 million dead people voted in the 2020 presidential election. These people are very much alive. That’s getting these benefits. And I’m sorry that your grandmother or your mother has to go through that. I’m in my 50s, but I’m down for life and the system. Put me you know, I can. I’ll get explained more. But you probably don’t care to hear what I’m saying is things are Bad and there’s a lot of Money. Being given out and a lot is about to change and it’s going to be hard on us. Now I am a representative for this old scared of the office. I do not get paid or anything like that. If there’s anything that I can help you with or any questions that you may have, I will do my best to answer them for you and lead you in the right direction.In fact, I’ll do anything that I can for you.I don’t have that much pull but I do have a little bit
Paul K.
No you blame the Republicans
Walter P.
walt127pierce@gmail.com
Dale w.
I can’t even get social security online for appointment what happens to your account after 31st of March?
Stacye M.
I need to know this too. I’m in a wheelchair. I have no way to transfer my wheelchair to the social security office. I can’t even get to a store right now. I have to get people to go to the store for me. The only way I get around is to my Doctor’s appointments. But that transportation is only for medical.
If I lose my benefits and my medications that I can’t afford. I will die.
Deanna
If I already receive social security will I have to prove my ID?
I have read yes and I have read no. This is very confusing.
Bruce K.
I have been confused too. However a careful reading of the official website indicates to me that a current recipient, like myself, will not have to do anything.
If you change your direct deposit you should do so through an online My Social Security account to avoid an in person visit.
This could have been done better in my opinion.
Connie
you need to go into your my social security account and login: There will be a series of questions you need to answer. That should take care of it. Hope this helps
Ellyn L.
What about people living abroad who have paid into social security?
Mike
Well, if they live abroad, that means they live in another country. They forfeit anything here. No American money should be sent to them in another country. They should be American citizens. Once you give up your citizenship for another country, you no longer gonna get to benefits. Don’t no longer the way it should be. We don’t send people the retirements in a foreign country no.
Lynn
https://www.usa.gov/social-security-abroad
You can be an American citizen and live abroad. For example I have a relative who lives in a European country. They retain their US citizenship and pay taxes. They are still American.
MB
Keep your misinformation to yourself
jojina a.
im out of the country right now im on vacation for another 3 months and my retirement gget direct deposit and that i use for my spending here in the Phils so will my retirement still get deposited since i have no way to get there right away. thanks for any informations you can give
Connie
You can go online to ssa.gov Before March 31st if you have an account already and login. There will be a series of questions you need to answer-then your done.
If you don’t have an account you can set one up an follow the above, but must be done before March 31st.
If you don’t have a means of doing online by March 31st, my understanding is your April check will be suspended until you appear in a Social Security office in person with photo ID, Social Security card, and direct deposit information.
I hope this helps
T.Y.
Hi, Jojina. Thanks for your question and for reading our blog. People who already received monthly benefits will continue to receive their direct deposit to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Enjoy your vacation.
Barbara N.
No mention whether or not a senior person already receiving direct deposit of their Social Security check will need to reverify their info. I’ve had the same address and bank account the entire time I’ve received my direct deposit of my social security income. I am now 76 and began receiving my Soc. Sec. Income at age 62.
Patti T.
I had to login to SSA yesterday to download a copy of my benefits letter. I already have a login.id account and have used 2-step MFA to login. But this time I had to go through further ID verification requiring using my smartphone to take pics of my drivers license and myself so yes it has changed even for just a login.
Lynn
Pretty much same, also yesterday. Widow here, receiving benefits for close to 4 years. I like to log in every so often just to check on things, and I always download latest copy of mine and DAC’s BVLs. After the commerce secretary’s ignorant remarks (sorry, but they were), it felt like a good time. I guess he thinks our landlord won’t complain if we can’t pay our rent one month. Or if we can’t buy groceries. Etc. Also already had Login.gov account. Had to go through verification again. Was successfully (re)verified, but I will not breathe easy until I see my April check, as well as my disabled adult child’s check, deposited into our bank accounts.
Connie
Everyone receiving benefits needs to verify. If you have an account on ssa.gov you just need to login and answer a series of questions that come up. Once you do that you’re good.Before March 31st.
If you do not have an account online, you need to set one up asap and follow above instructions before March 31st.
If you cannot do update online, you will need to go into a local office either by appointment or walkin-recommend making appointment. Take drivers license, social security card, direct deposit information and proof of address with you.
Hope this helps
C.B.
Hi, Connie. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if not applying for cash benefits and if not changing direct deposit information. People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. We hope this clears up any confusion.
Arnold H.
I have been receiving Social security since 2009. Do I still have to come to a social security office to prove who I am? I can’t afford to miss my social security check or have it delayed just to verify my identity! I keep reading things on line and everything is different or omits what I need to know!
T.Y.
Hi, Arnold. Hi, Eve.n Thanks for your question and for reading our blog. People who already received monthly benefits will continue to receive their direct deposit to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We hope this helps.
Kristin m.
If I’m allready receiving benefits for years Do I still have to sign up .Unclear. what there saying.
Km
Arthur J.
I have been receiving Social Security direct deposit for ten years. Do I need to go to an office to confirm my identity in April
T.Y.
Hi, Arthur. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if you are not applying for cash benefits and if you are not changing direct deposit information. People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We hope this helps.
T.Y.
Hi, Kristin. Thanks for your question and for reading our blog. People who are applying for Social Security benefits or changing direct deposit information will need to prove their identity. People who already received monthly benefits will continue to receive their direct deposit to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We hope this helps.