Social Security Updates Recently Announced Identity Proofing Requirements
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 for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025.
“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “In addition to extending the policy’s effective date by two weeks to ensure our employees have the training they need to help customers, Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications will be exempt from in-person identity proofing because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.”
Under the updated policy beginning April 14, 2025, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who cannot use a personal my Social Security account can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office.
Individuals who cannot use their personal my Social Security account to apply for benefits will only need to prove their identity at a Social Security office if applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits. SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing or in-person identity proofing for these cases. The agency will not enforce these requirements in extreme dire-need situations, such as terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios. SSA is currently developing a process that will require documentation and management approval to bypass the policy in such dire need cases.
Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information for any benefit will need to visit a Social Security office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment. The agency also recommends that individuals unable to apply online call to schedule an in-person appointment to begin and complete a claim for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits in one interaction.
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.
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 safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers. SSA plans to implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of 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. SSA will continue to fight fraud while balancing its program integrity responsibilities with delivering on its customer service mission to the American people.
People who do not already have a my Social Security account can create one.
Stay up to date about SSA’s identity proofing requirements and exceptions at What to Know about Proving Your Identity | SSA.
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Michelle H.
I do NOT give permission for my data to be shared with DOGE Or ELON MUSK.
This is notice that their activity has already inflicted great harm and injury for which SS recipients of all programs have legal cause and grounds to sue, based on the anxiety alone and also many other causes.
You are on notice.
Drew H.
I have been on Social Security since 2010 and I could count on it. Now so much news and insecurity. Fraud and streamlining cost is necessary but not with a sledgehammer!!
Now it’s hard to even get updates from the SSA website since it’s “temporarily not working “???
Lydia R.
Ya era hora de que limpiaran tanta corrupción
Tina
Why am I being given different information from social security representatives and they didn’t try to take my information over the phone and set a deadline for paperwork to be returned that was not even fair. This is wrong.
Jason
Last I checked I didn’t give Elon Musk permission to access my personal information nor did I elect him to do so and I don’t give you the right to give out my personal information and medical records
Harvey
You may view Elon as DC’s Lex Luthor but I view him as Reed Richards. And anyway, this is not about Elon. It is about how tose before us have taken advantage of us and failed at upholding the promises made. A room that was once clean and airy over time with laziness and abuse grows dingy, stuffy and dirty. The clean-up is never fun but when it is done, happiness returns to be in a clean room. Elon is the cleaning person. If you wish to be angry, try pointing it at those who partied in the room and left it a mess.
Is S.
Well said
Regina
Y’all this is for NEW APPLICATIONS ONLY!!! And for updating/ changing personal information, including changing the bank account number for direct deposit.
Seniors ALREADY receiving SS retirement benefits DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING!!! This should be the FIRST statement on this website!!!!
Can you imagine if this applied to ALL CASES, INCLUDING EXISTING RECIPIENTS?? Even the oligarchy in charge is not that inefficient.
Lordy!! Carry on.
Marie
Thanks for the info that’s exactly what I wanted to read.
Jan
The various resources ‘fed,” to the public is doing a great job with these balls of confusion. Besides Elon, who can make it plain??
Judy
THANK YOU Regina, for clarifying “this is for new applications only”. I was scratching my head trying to figure that piece out. The messaging from “headquarters” is constantly changing and confusing. Again that you for your accurate input. Very appreciated!! L