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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Rhonda P.
I on SSI DISABILITY. How do I prove my identity or do I have to I just did a identify verification through the IRS and I have been proven to be who I say I am through ID ME. What do I have to do so I don’t loose my SSI DISABILITY as I pay all my bills from this. Please advise. Thank you.
C.B.
Thanks for using our blog, Rhonda. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove your identity if you’re not applying for cash benefits and if you’re not changing your direct deposit information. You will continue to receive your benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove your identity. We hope this helps.
Phil
I think DOGE is doing a great job.
MAGA USA!! Just let us law abiding citizens know what we can do to help.
John D.
Yeah I bet the millions of people they’re hurting around the world don’t think so there Phil. Just like everything else associated with Trump, things get done half-assedand reckless.
Don B.
This MAGA USA is run by businesspeople. You cannot run the government like a business.
Barbara j.
Wrong. The fraud is in the handouts to billionaires
Muchelle
I think you’re a dousch there Phil
Deborah D.
I’m glad things are being straightened out. Too many getting $$$ that should not be getting it. People are going to complain. But when there’s a will you’ll find a way there when you need too. Safety for our money.
John D.
And I suppose you’re an expert on the subject knowing how many people are getting money illegally huh.
Virginia D.
I have been on social security for a number of years now. I have my check deposited directly into my account and have since I started. Do I have to do anything? I am not changing anything at all. Please let me know.
C.B.
Hi, Virginia. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove your identity if you’re not applying for cash benefits and if you’re not changing your direct deposit information. You will continue to receive your benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove your identity. We hope this helps.
John Q.
Management of this program failed. A Bureaucracy should never be in charge. As a government entity will always sap the taxpayers money. We should make senators and congressmen , etc take SSI then it would improve. Meanwhile why y’all mad at Trump,muskie, at least they’re cutting the dead weight. They never answered the phones or did it right with 60k workers. Find people who are interested in their fellow Americans and who show up and do the job. Meanwhile why not hire some sharp 50 to 70y.o.’s to work there. At least they’d have empathy and support to those applying and getting benefits.
John D.
Great fairy tale pal. Funny how you actually think Trump is trying to help you. It would be hysterical If it wasn’t so sad you could be so naive and gullible. Get into the reality of what’s going on in front of you, because you clearly don’t have a clue.
RASSR
From what I gather all of the practices that the SSA is implementing are due to fraud. I personally don’t have a problem with having someone that supposedly is 150 years old come into their local Social Security office and prove their existence.
I realize that many people are caught in the crossfire of this however, it doesn’t seem like much of a burden to prove your existence.
Cathyl
There are no 150 year olds receiving benefits. Read the news and you will learn that DOGE didn’t read anything.
Get your facts straight.
Anthony
I already can’t sign in and I spoke with someone and wrote and it’s been weeks and I still can’t access my account. Ridiculous!
C.B.
Thank you for reading our blog, Anthony. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. You can call our “Help Desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “How can I help you today?” please say “Help Desk” for help to access my Social Security account. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps!
David H.
All of this is because some 21 year old kid doesn’t understand old code and has been unleashed with no oversight or restraints. It’s OUR money that we were forced to give to the government for safekeeping and the government has botched it and used it like their own piggy bank. Y’all are about to learn not to fuck with old people and OUR money.
Larry
Why did the director of the SSA threaten to shut down the agency when access by non governmental persons were stopped from accessing our private information?
BS
I recently called the Social Security 1(800) number and I was on hold for 3 hours. On a seperate day another 4 hour wait. I have doubts about so called expedited service. It is extremely hard to get the needed help. Who has hours to spend on hold waiting to speak to a Social Security representative?
C.B.
We’re sorry to hear about your experience, BS. We ask for your patience during busy periods. Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep in mind that wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security webpage. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this information is helpful.