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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NO t.
I WILL NOT use Login.gov OR ID.me to create an Account! TOO INVASIVE to record a stupid selfie video!
You SHOULD go back to USERNAME (not Email) & Password for login!
It’s FINE if I have to come in person to verify/create an Account, but I DO NOT TRUST Login.gov or ID.me!
Dianna C.
Social Security Clients have certain Mental Disabilities. I don’t understand what Social Security Changes are being implemented.
1. Do I need to contact Social Security for my benefits?
2. My Social Security Online Account Already have been Difficult. What should I Do and when?
3. Will my Direct Deposit Require me to do What? What Date?
4. Can I call Social Security at the Sane Number?
Kim J.
Get your grimy fingers off my hard earning retirement savings. Fuvk yoy TRUMP & Wussie republicans
Sick
Steve W.
So, if I am the right person and already getting direct deposit, what, if any, steps does one have to do?
Theresa A.
If I already have mySocialSecurity Account set up & direct deposit already set up since I think 2016/ may be 2018 …does SSA need verification AGAIN? Will benefits be stopped on my next check of 3/26/25 if verification not verified by 3/31/25. I will call for apt 3/19/25 to make apt to make sure abiding by verification rules.
M.E. V.
Am I understanding this correctly? You can either have a login.gov account or an id.me account but not both? Is that correct?
King M.
We help my 90 y/o parents with their healthcare and finances in an assisted and a memory care facility in AZ but we live out of state. How do you expect them to be able to show up in person when neither leaves the facility?
Andrea P.
I have a MySSA account for over 10 years. I’m am not able to log in. Am I going to receive my direct deposit on April 3rd as usual.
Teresa R.
This information doesn’t seem new to me. I had to get an ID.ME login a few years ago. Right?
M.E. V.
This is my prediction. Because of the outcry on this, it will be pushed back until next year.