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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Tags: General Information, my Social Security account, online services
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Cheryl T.
Is ID.me acceptable as verification of identity to this new social security login effective March 31st ?
Philip C.
They other day I received a phone call about a new plastic s s card. I just wanted to know if this was true. I didn’t give the man any information. He wanted to know if we received the new plastic cards yet. Can you tell me if this is a scam!
Ruth H.
I don’t know anything about plastic cards but the government does not call you. They communicate by mail when necessary.
Nancy H.
Unclear if this is for new or existing retirees?
Douglas S.
WOW! My experience with our local SSA office was GRAND! We had a laugh on the phone call as her name was Karen. Of which she claimed to be the original.
Helped me get a new ss card for my 94 y.o. mother
Thanks again
Ida W.
How are we suppose to into the office to verify anything if we are home bond
Vol W.
It is already nearly impossible to get an appointment at a SSA field office. My wife has tried unsuccessfully for over two weeks. The phone waiting time is over two hours and she never was called back after entering her number. My father-in-law is 95. His computer skills are non-existent. My wife has to cart him around and assist him and his wife with everything. Her SSA nightmare has existed long before she was eligible herself.
My question: Is SSA going to increase the number of field offices and staffing to accommodate the added millions of appontments these changes will require?
Rose
More bodies doesn’t make an agency more efficient. Government needs to catch up to the private sector. Appears management is getting more sophisticated. Hopefully funding will be available to upgrade.
SUSAN T.
I don’t know why we thought he would leave Social Security alone. He has already stripped children of school lunches and much needed medical services…it’s time to whack away at seniors and veterans. Guess who hasn’t been affected negatively…the wealthy!
Joseph R.
If I do not need to change information such as banking or address information, do I still need to verify who I am?
Amy M.
So, make people wait longer to call for appointments, drive and sit for hours? When I called 3 Years ago, I was on Hold for an hour and 45 minutes. The office closed, but I was Still on hold! They didn’t even disconnect the call, like the 3 times they disconnected Before the hour and 45 minutes I was put on hold again, for a total of 3 hours, waiting to talk to a person. You make it harder and harder for us to get the money WE paid in, and are entitled to. Plus, you lost all of my disability paperwork, and told me two years later, then was harassing my 93 year old father to contact me, after I told you to just Drop the case. But hey, give it to these young ones who can’t or won’t work. Shame on the ssa.