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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Rodney H.
Do not cut Personal, it already takes a half day to speak to someone over the phone. I have had no complaints with SSA since I’ve been receiving, I truly hope I don’t start now with this Doge take over.
Sam L.
I’m all for improvements but cutting phone services when current hold times are already hours long? Makes no sense. Closing offices across the country but making in person appointments a ‘requirement’? What about the vast number of elderly and disabled individuals who struggle to or are unable to travel? The remaining offices so far away many are unable to travel there? Makes no sense.
Laura
Improving security is great, but requiring in person visits for elderly and disabled people who are not Internet-savvy at the same time as DOGE is planning to close offices and fire thousands of SSA employees is insanity.
Valentina F.
You are kidding. Is already a mess and you are life more miserable to elders. I have been trying to access your system ,it is almost impossible. Thanks for your NON SERVICES.
SHARON I.
What can citizens who are already established in SSA do for those who do not have access to the internet or who need help navigating the web site?
Mary
Does this mean that all who are currently drawing Social Security or those who have filed a claim have to verify their identity? Or is identity verification just for new applicants?
Nicole
People commenting: they are not reading our comments & couldn’t care less … dont bother!
C.B.
Hi, Nicole. Thanks for reading our blog and for your comment. We read all of the comments and we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs, when appropriate. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Keep in mind that for security reasons, we do not have access to any personal information in this venue. We hope this is helpful.
Patty
This is my only income source, and I need assurance my monthly benefit which I earned will not be compromised. Are there any other surprises coming? How will I know if my local office is targeted for closure? Can we be assured timely phone service to reach a qualified representative?
Rebecca G.
You people are going to make it as difficult as possible for the elderly to get services. We see your game.
Sara
This is going to be a mess. What about seniors in assisted living? Those who have been receiving their benefits, who don’t have access to a computer, who may have dementia , who may not have family members help them resign up. What is going to happen to them? Dump them on the street?