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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Allison T.
I have rent due in the first if April. I just found out my check won’t be deposited till the 16th because my birthday is Ms on the 13th,
Thanks SO much for the HUGE heads up!
I also have auto pay bills due. Looking at a few overdrafts. This really sucks.🤬
Joe H.
I am a current SS recipient that resides outside of the US. How can I attend to problems I may have with my account without visiting a SSA office in person?
C.B.
Hi, Joe. Thanks for reading our blog. You can access your personal my Social Security account by registering and signing in with ID.me to manage your account while residing out of the country. If you don’t have an ID.me account, you can visit here to get the process started. If you need assistance, you may contact ID.me support. You can also visit our Office of Earnings & International Operations webpage. We hope this helps.
ADEM A.
Recently ,I applied to SSA that my First Citizen bank at Smithfield ( NC) has frozen my account for no reason, and I am not able to access it anymore. There has been a hopeful thought from the department that the issue is going to be resolved soon. But still there is no hope. Would you you please help me again.
Susan B.
I am concerned that with the cuts to the SSI system that my April check will be late.
Bernie
You geniuses are the most incompetent, cold harded bastards. Going to withhold checks and whoever complains are frauds? What imbecile thought that one up? I know … so many imbeciles to pick from.
zeekers
Bravo Bernie! Well said.
Brenda S.
My thoughts, exactly.
Frances s.
Do i need to do anything if i have been on ss for a long time. It gets put in my checking acct the 3rd Wed of each month
S.S.
Hi, Frances. 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.
Tiffany A.
Oh really so what is going on with the actual system I see here and you guys are posting odd things so what is going on with the system here cuz when I logged into SSI gov and I barricaded myself and it’s showing that I’m not getting SSI for April so what’s going on with that And I’m getting a letter in the mail from you guys huh kind of on to me don’t you think
Saul S.
Please don’t stop sending SS retirement payments , i survive out of it .
William R.
I am sixty-nine and a half. I have a mysocialsecurtiy account. What do I do to present positive proof of my identification when I apply, someday?
Jason D.
When logged on should be able go under profile area that take where they may ask for proof? I would try that first my thought that would be there!!
Juan D.
I’m outside of the USA 🇺🇸 and trying to come to the us embassy and they said can’t no help me about SSA and I need to be in person to update my SSA really I’m disappointed about this situation because I was call menu times and over two hours on the phone and they don’t help me
Sadie R.
Thanks really need the help right now can find no one who will rent to me because my incom
Lyn
The only solution that you can do is go into an office and see if you could talk to somebody and ask him if you are actually verified. I know they say you need to make an appointment but we live in Oklahoma And we went to the Okmulgee office, and no one was waiting and we were able to get in and ask questions and get answers
Brenda S.
Wait and see. It’s obviously up to whatever of Trump’s minions are in charge, so can change any minute.
Charlene M.
I my name is Charlene C Myers, Do I need a My social security account set up ? My email is Charlmye32@yahoo.com
Goth
You lying Trumpist sons of bitches! You adopt a procedure which many older citizens are unable to follow. You remove the local offices and staffs essential to the administration of this poor policy. Then you lie to us.
Your job is to serve the people. So serve the people.
zeekers
Bravo Goth! Well said.
Jason D.
I agree with you 100% but sometimes we live world where that people serve just happened not the right people serve for us !!! Just have pray 🙏🏾 the God bless us and serve us more the way we are getting treated all respects in one…⁉️👀
Doug
Goth wants to know. ‘Does Elon yet live??? ‘
That’s Goth. Not I.
He wants to know. I don’t care.
I say, bring back the Stanley Steamer.
Betnice
And they think on line personal stuff is safer. Not…. Keep our offices open not on line to be hacked… It’s our money and our identities that are at risk…..
Jt
I wholeheartedly agree!!
USA.
So sad that you bring your hate for the President to this site. I wish you all the best in the next 4 years. Please seek professional help with your condition of TDS. Sincerely the American people.
Brenda S.
You’re right, Goth. Perfect response.
Dan
And quit calling us customers you bastards! We are citizens.
Karol P.
You are so right. This is a terrible way to treat people who only want their money that they paid into this system.
Richard P.
Thank you. You know what the problem is? Trump is listening to Elon. I don’t remember Elon being on the ballot. Do you?
Jock W.
You didn’t read correctly, I’ll cut and paste for you. 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.
Noneya
You obviously have TDS. You have all of the documentation from the Social Security office and still don’t believe the truth. Get mental help or take your medicine.
Noneya
THIS COMMENT SHOULD BE DELETED. ITS DISRESPECTFUL, RUDE AND POLITICALLY MOTIVATED. I HAVE REPORTED IT.
Michelle
Wooooooo
Hoooooo
Noneya
Who ya gonna report it to??
All the people who DON’T work at SSA anymore???? Lol
Terri A.
Thank you. My thoughts exactly.
Robin n.
I’m sorry you feel that way. How old are you? I’m 69 and I agree wholeheartedly with what the president is doing. Thank you Mr. President and SS workers who are assisting the president to ensure more money is safe from those who are trying to defraud the government.
Raie
Amen!
G D.
lol preach! 😄👍
Irene L.
Well if previous administration wouldn’t have been such frauds we wouldn’t be in this situation 🤷🏽♀️ There is too much fraud going on in these local offices. Too many mistakes such as overpayments. This procedure will eliminate fraud and mistakes
Tony M.
Facts!
Michelle
Ditto
FUCK OFF
Ignorant swine
Joseph W.
Fuck off loser
Harvey L.
If offices are being closed and employees are being terminated, are there any estimates how long it will take to schedule an in person interview and how soon the interview can be scheduled?
Jason D.
Just depends your situation what need assistance with just want you too simply do must online.. So my advice too you have SSA account print all your information online from your with your earnings and amount your check is and when you make 🤙🏾 call SSA make sure get logged of the call how long had wait on phone if happened lose calls or just straight up just push button where give the option from them too call you back that would make things easier for you the office not hold on the line .
Brenda S.
Two years ago, when government services actually worked, I was able to talk to a very nice, knowledgeable SSA worker. Don’t call on Monday or Friday (lines are jammed) and do call in the morning. Hopefully, even with the current administration’s incompetence, you’ll get your answers.
Marquetta W.
It’s taking me months to try and get my SSI back and it’s almost impossible to get. This is so frustrating