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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Steph W.
So I went online and applied for retirement benefits. I received a letter about 30 days later (after not receiving the phone call that a post card had informed me of) telling me that I have to go to my local office and give proof of my identity. I have been on hold 3-4 hours three separate times (all various days and times) and never connected to anyone. I went to a local office and was told the wait would be 3 hours but I could not stay due to work. The nice man at the door gave me a local number to call. I have called once and received no answer. Everything is filled out and complete online. All I need is this verify step – when I do get in touch with someone I am sure any appointment will be weeks away…and yet my SSA letter says I have 15 days to respond to this situation. Well those days are well over and I have not once been able to speak to anyone at all. Why can’t I just walk in- I’m a teacher and we are starting state testing next week. I can’t miss work and SSA office hours are even shorter than our school day. I need to get all this in place …not sure if that’s possible unless I take one day off and walk in and WAIT HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES. Will they help me as a walk in if I am willing to wait and everything is good to go online? Will I set up my direct deposit at that same time (as ID verification)? Help …please!!!!
Mackie
Why don’t you use police to welfare check. They are being used for voting,
Diane G.
I have been receiving Social Security since 2022. I have direct deposit and do not want to change anything. However, when I got on SSA.gov (via Login.Gov) just to check things out, it’s talking about proving my identity. Do I have to go through all this when I don’t want to make any changes? I’m terrified that I won’t get my April check.
Charli
I had to do the same to get my 1099 for tax purposes. It was a pain and time consuming, but would rather do it every time if needed, rather than have someone steal my ID and get my payments instead.
Susie
I didn’t change anything on mine,and I received my check.
Sheldon W.
Is there a form that funeral homes fill out when a person died?
Ken R.
Yes there is, when my father and mother died the funeral home took care of notifying social security. I would ask them if they are doing it as it is not required.
Verna H.
Our SSecurity office is small and understaffed. We will be there for days if we have to go to office to verify ourselves.
Is this for real?
C.B.
Hi, Verna. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need for anyone to contact Social Security to prove their identity if they are already getting benefits. Everyone will continue to receive their benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove their identity. We hope this helps.
helen h.
hello it sure does help so since i am already getting direct deposits, i do not have to call up, i live in n y c, you just saved me a call thank you
and god bless you
Bobbie A.
Thank you for responding
Ted H.
Your reply to Verna H was extremely helpful. Those of us who have been receiving Social Security Retirement benefits and don’t wish to change bank account deposit information, don’t need to contact SSA to prove identity.
Thank you so much!
You should put that statement in the March 26th identity verification announcement.
Thank you.
Lauren
Thank you so much! That was a huge help!
Colleen N.
I have also been receiving Social Security since 2022. You indicate that we don’t need to do anything now. What if we have an address change or need to make changes the direct deposit, does that mean we would be required to go in person to a physical Social Security office to make those changes or will we be able to do that online?
Elizabeth
Apply online 2or 3 years ago, send my PIN number apply online, I never had heard anything, I try again online it’s vanished, I just want apply Medicare, pls respond, this issue on cyber, right know,
C.B.
Thank you for reading our blog, Elizabeth. 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.
Elizabeth S.
WHEN DO SS DISABILITY PERSONS GET THEIR STIMULUS CHECKS IN APRIL?
Rhonda
Great question 🤔 have you gotten a answer?
C.B.
Thanks for reading our blolg, Elizabeth. The IRS, not Social Security, typically sends all economic impact or stimulus payments. Please call their toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040 and speak with a representative. We hope this helps.
Amanda b.
What stimulus checks this year I hadn’t heard nothing about any new ones I got all the previous ones but not heard we was getting 4th one
Dionis E.
I haven’t been able to contact anyone in SSA for the last few weeks. I called many times without any person answering, but a recording made me an appointment for a phone consultation and never got it.
I would like to make an appointment if it’s required.
Sincerely
Dionis E Alcantara.
Robert f.
After the recording stops ask for an agent or representative and then it’s going to ask you something else and you’re going to ask him again for an agent or representative
Linda L.
From the first part of the information statement I am unclear if I need to do anything. I’ve been receiving SS since 2012. Second what happens when a person enters a nursing home. A majority of the residents can’t trot off to an SSI office to appear in person. They don’t have Internet access and may not have a valid photo ID.
C.B.
Thanks for using our blog, Linda. 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, along with people in nursing homes, will continue to receive benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records. We hope this helps.
Nathan P.
We are both receiving SSI, do we need to do this? Nathan P. Swainston, DOB 6-2-47 & Phyllis J. Swainston DOB 6-12-48.
C.B.
Thanks for using our blog, Nathan. There is no need for you and Phyllis 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 both 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.
Sara B.
That was my question …. Thank you