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/.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security account, online services
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A O.
What about back payment; any updates on that?
Waitingpatiently
What about back payment, are there any changes with that?
Regeana C.
When can we verify our identity Can we do it starting 3/20/25?
Joe M.
You need to staff up the offices and call centers as well as not close offices – if you are reducing transactions available by phone, since many elderly folks either cannot use computers and are no longer abe to use them!
Gary D.
I think the ss sdmin is doing an admirable job under extreme circumstances and pressure. Chins up and keep up the good work! Your efforts are appreciated by many! Thank you!
Randy L.
Am 72 and have my online account..I’ve had for many years ..do I need to do all this secure identification stuff or am I ok… ?
Drha
It’s about time .. illegals have been receiving benefits that they are not entitled to …they are not AMERICANS…they have not worked & earned these benefits…why should Americans who were born here & worked their whole life support illegals…they are not wanted in our country…we can not afford to support their life style & give Americans their benefits they rightfully deserve
Joan
To Drha
Illegals do NOT get social security!!!!! They may pay into it but they DO NOT get to withdraw it UNLESS they are a LEGAL CITIZEN, PERIOD!!!!!! Google it!!!!!!!
Kathy K.
You are very naive
Jill Z.
How in the world did you come up with such succinct language without actually saying exactly what you will be asking for? It was a fairly simple and straightforward way of signing up before …. without problems . Why don’t you just implant chips – or is that the next step. So frustrating
Sue L.
So the disabled, those with mobility issues as well as many other problems will find it nearly impossible to interact with the Social Security Administration. I would call this gross negligence.
Carla S.
So, does this mean if we already have a my Social Security account, we don’t have to do anything?