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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John
You listened to who?
Was his initials E.M. By chance?
John K.
So a person already on Social Security does not have to report any changes to a SS Office.
Sandra J.
Are people on social security going to get cost of living increases? Cost of living has really gone up? Thank you.
Kelly T.
It is not clear if Social Security recipients have to verify their identity in person to continue to receive already established benefits when they aren’t changing anything on their account. Some reports say you don’t need to go in-person unless you need to change direct deposit or other information.
Other news reports are saying everyone needs to do the in-person verification for benefits to continue. Can you clarify please?
C.B.
Hi, Kelly. 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.
Leslie H.
Closing offices while requiring more in person attendance seems an oxymoron. This is no more a Ponzi scheme than putting money in a Merrill Lynch or other investment account to set up my retirement than the $$$ I sent to Social Security from earnings I received for the 67 years I’ve worked and paid in. Musk is an idiot only out done by his leader.
Ima F.
I have been on social Security for 12 years . Will I have to do the in person ID thing ?
C.B.
Hi, Ima. 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.
Michael H.
I’ve already completed my ss and find it very easy to use the I d me website for Security. Now if we can get congress to help those of us extremely below poverty line .heard lots of talk , but no action. WEP fine for few but leaves most of retireesfeeling left out
seniorcit
Changing direct deposit info is clear enough, but what exactly do you mean by “applying for cash benefits?” I thought SS only paid with mailed checks or direct deposit into bank accounts?
Mary D.
I’m 80 years old and I paid into system since age 14. I understood the explanation instantly and it made sense. I’m not changing anything about my retirement benefits therefore I don’t have to do anything. I’m proud of the DOGE contribution to filtering out fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars. People who are complaining the loudest are either uninformed or guilty.
Thomas M.
Can all transactions be made before April 1st 2025, or can they be done orior?