Social Security Updates Recently Announced Identity Proofing Requirements
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: April 25, 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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Laura K.
The problem with the sign up for the account is that it requires a US address. And we only find this out after filling out all the two-step verification info. I wrote all my key codes by hand. Very time consuming. I stopped on the next page when I saw the US address. So I stopped at that point.
Then, when I tried to access some other portal relating to my account it said the account was already used on my email address.
I plan to return to the US in the next several months and to get a US address. I have a passport renewed in 2022, and my Medicare card. I also have a NY State ID card. I don’t have my Social Security Card.
Will that be a problem. Should I attempt to get one now at the Paris embassy SSA office?
Premlata (.
I am trying to help my cousin with SSDI. Someone who is going thru chemo has absolutely no energy to read all your materials. I have sent several emails thru SS blog for disability. Can some email or call her and let her know what SS needs to get her SSDl? Her application is rejected so I am assuming some info may be missing on application or attachment required like doctors statement or medical record.
Rico A.
I’m getting “We couldn’t find records matching your personal information” message when verifying my identity through Login.gov. I have verified that all the information I entered are correct. I did this step multiple times without success. There’s no information of what to do next to resolve the issue.
Tim P.
If this is true, that I must report to SS office to continue receiving my monthly direct deposit, why hasn’t the SS office contacted me? It’s hard to believe these conflicting articles without something coming directly to me from the agency.
timothy w.
When i first got a login.gov account, as required to replace the expiring MySocialSecurity login system, i was provided ten one- time pass codes. But the next time i tried to log in, not one of the ten passwords was recognized as valid, surprisingly. It looks like my recourse now is to delete the newly created login.gov account, and try the whole process over again, and maybe opt out of the pass code authentication system in favor of some other method of authentication altogether. But not today. i have already wasted a lot of time trying to log in unsuccessfully today.
Premlata (.
Timothy, the 10 digit number which you must have received by mail is valid for only so many days and after that timeline, the number does not work.
Chris F.
In logging into Login.gov, they ask that I verify who I am. In doing so, it asks for my social security number – including the dashes. After clicking on the box to enter it, it brings up the numerical keypad to use. However, the keypad does not have any dashes to be able to enter them. There is no way around using this keypad. How can I enter the dashes in my number for verification to get into my account?
Garrison
Cant you use your own keypad?…if not, try to copy and paste the dash from elsewhere…
Patricia C.
Is the purpose of this process to provide DOGE/Elon Musk information??
Premlata (.
May be the program will automatically insert the dashes. Try to out your info and see.
Carol
What is the cut-off date for proving my identity to prevent my Social Security benefit from ending?
Per your website – “Beginning in April 2025, anyone receiving Social Security benefits—including retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors—must verify their identity in person at a local Social Security office to continue receiving payments. ”
You give a start date, but no ending date.
And also, how does a person in a long term nursing home facility handle this if they have alzheimers?
Sandra C.
Is there a reason I didn’t get my social security check
Xóc .
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