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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D M.
If I have an on-line account already, but have not started to collect yet. Will I still be able to sign up to collect it and add add my bank account information on-line?
Teretta W.
So I don’t have to wait two pay periods to receive funds after account changes
Ralph T.
I want to verify my social security but can’t create an account even though I followed the instructions on the site. How do I book an appointment?
C.B.
Thank you for reading our blog, Ralph. You may not need an appointment. You can call our “Help Desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “How can I help you today?” please say “Help Desk” for help to access my Social Security account. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m
Marilyn l.
Do I need to go to social security office..which is several miles away to besure my benefit goes on before April 1st. I am 90yrs old and live at oregon Beach area….no car?
S.S.
Hi, Marilyn. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove your identity if you’re not applying for cash benefits and if you’re not changing your direct deposit information. You will continue to receive your benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove your identity. We hope this helps.
Anne E.
I don’t understand, if I already have direct deposit Do I have to do something different now
Carl D.
There was a post on google today that said current recipients of social security must reverify their identity to continue receiving their monthly payment. Is this true? If so are you staffed to do this?
C.B.
Hi, Carl. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove your identity if you’re not applying for cash benefits and if you’re not changing your direct deposit information. You will continue to receive your benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove your identity. We hope this helps.
Gail M.
I’ve been receiving Soc. Sec. retirement for five years since I turned 65. I have had no changes in my address or checking account. Do I need to do anything?
C.B.
Hi, Gail. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove your identity if you’re not applying for cash benefits and if you’re not changing your direct deposit information. You will continue to receive your benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove your identity. We hope this helps.
Leifre
Thank you for easing my mind with this response 🙏
Anne B.
What does this mean for Organizational Payees? Will Social Security be sending out an official letter letting us know exactly what is expected of us?
Beth
I have been on SSD for many years. Do l have to be verified? To get my SSD it took years. I certainly made enough visits to the ssa office in person and appeared in court. I have moved several times even out of state. I’ve had my benefits going to the same account all this time and never have missed a check. Clearer guidelines would help. I’m so sorry for the people who are going to struggle to get what they’ve been paying for their whole lives. Not an entitlement.
Myrna C.
I am glad new steps are in place to secure SS benefits because looks like years of fraud & millions of dollars went somewhere
Petey
Very upsetting. I have been receiving benefits for over 11 years. My concern is how often do you have to go to a ss office to verify you’re still alive when you don’t have online access
Myrna C.
I am glad something is being put In place to protect our SS benefits > I’d do it annually if I have too