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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Mike
I cannot believe how many stupid people post on here…the SSA has posted many times on these pages that if you are not receiving cash, and not applying for new benefits and nothing has changed, then your direct deposit of your money will continue without interruption.
Geeez people!
Sharon C.
Why was my SS check
Sharon C.
Why was my SS check
KAREN A.
I am a Retired Social Worker/Mental Health therapist and I have no problem with the verification process it will cut back on fraud. However I have concerns about Senior Citizens and people who live in rural area.
I have a suggestion to make instead firing workers make the field agents. Set a criteria for in-home services and this will alleviate fraud and less rejected applications. When I worked as field to Social Worker that was apart of my duties.
C.B.
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Georgeanna T.
Very confusing. I’ve had SS since I was 62 years old. I am going to be 78 this year. Does this mean I have to to a SS office and verify who I am or do I just keep receiving my SS the 4th Wednesday of the month. I am very confused
C.B.
Hi, Georgeanna. 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.
Mel R.
With the new administration shutting down the quick access phone numbers, and closing lots of field offices this will further complicate signing up or answering any questions not provided on line. We can only assume this is intended purpose of their actions.
Sallie W.
I’m trying to get a copy of my card. I have an account set up. I’m using the same address where I’ve received multiple account summaries, showing how much I’ve contributed and how much I should expect to receive when I retire at various ages. I have had my cell phone number since 1997 and I do not want to make any changes to any of the information on my account.
But, they are blocking me from requesting a replacement card. It is very frustrating.
CECELIA.
THESE ARE MONIES THE GOVERNMENT TOOK OUT OF OUR PAY CHECKS RELIGIOUSLY…OH BUT NOW WE WHOM ARE SENIOR CITIZENS ARE CRIMINALLY TITLED BECAUSE NOW PAYMENT TIME IS DUE …WE ARE NOW BEGGARS AND CON PEOPLE THUS IS THE VERBAL CONSTANT TALK NOW …MAYBE 🤔 THEY SHOULDN’T HV TAKEN OUR MONEY ALL THOSE YEARS …JUST MAYBE IJS
BLESSINGS ALL .
Donna E.
Elon Musk has no right to anyone’s social security information! The risk of private data being shared with fraudsters is immense & we will know who to charge criminally if this happens. The social security administration has been a well oiled machine for 90 years with less 1% disruption due to fraud. How many other government offices or private businesses can meet that standard? Leave social security alone & keep your young tech bros away from our data as well. Don’t you get it? Why do you think Tesla is under attack? I don’t condone violence of any kind but Americans are sending you a clear message & I suggest you start listening!
Kurt R.
This all sounds like a good Idea. Implementing will be a challenge but we’ll get through it.
CJP
But is it really? Is there proof that this will combat fraud? How many people have been identified that submitted claims by impersonating someone else? Will the cost of in-person ID verification for everyone who fits criteria outweighs the cost savings of identify fraud that resulted in payments? What about loss of income due to complying with the law? What about wait times at SSA facilities and increased questions re: the law and whether it applies to them.
This law is attempting to solve a problem that might not even exist, plus the cost to implement a solution that might not even exist.
Artin K.
do you need to prove your citizenship again if you have proved it in the past by a passport or citizenship certificate.
Artin
Royce
Bout time to
David W.
I can understand this within reason. However those of us that have been collecting OUR Social Security for a number of years should not have to disrupt our lives to prove we have the right to collect the money that WE paid in all these years.
Earl H.
I can nor see if I am enrolled in the so called my SS account i do get SS now
Richard
If you can keep the fake news out of it!