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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KathieH
Does this mean that if I already receive SS and medicare, and not changing deposit information, I dont have to do anything. Also my husband had a stroke and does not remember how to get into his SS account. He’s not changing anything does he need to come into a office? He is not ambulatory and his attention span is short.
C.B.
Hi, KathieH. Thanks for using our blog. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if not applying for cash benefits and if not changing direct deposit information. People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. We hope this clears up any confusion.
Holly D.
This changed 2 SS seems by loading r information on an acct puts us @ more risks of r info being available 2 the scammers n hackers. R system of verification thru phone calls has been working well B4 social media n online services ever were here. Why make it more difficult 4 seniors life is hard enough 4 us as we struggle 2 just live.
Joyce a.
I and my husband are fully disabled and we both get social security but we’re low income and the state has us paying our Medicare premium. And since this happened we are struggling.we need our premium pd and get medcaid. Thank you j Pittman.
Karen P.
I am too old for all of this.
No, I don’t know what to do.
Paula
What i don’t understand is how a felony person that’s running are country can make decisions on who on ssi or ssdi or disability or retirement people to verify there identity to there income and he not even put in jail for all the felony he has and all that he does to are country okay that whole white house needs new people in it.and we for sure need a new president I’m glad I’m not a Trump support because to all of them he Lied to yall and all of yall going to see what we been telling you about that Devil that in the office he going to Destroy America much as he can trust me.you will see at the end.
RED
What fraud! This is insane! How am I and others who are else or disabled supposed to meet these requirements when it’s already difficult! Do you know I’ve been trying to get a hold of the social security office for the past week. After being on 17 minutes of hold, you automatically hang up! F*** you Musk and lady Trump!
Diane M.
I can’t believe you lazy politicians can’t protect the people from the corrupt system and the corrupt people in office to protect your citizens .. shame on you all shame on you off God hasn’t found the word you all will be judged
Anonymous
What about people who live hundreds of miles from a Social Security office??? Especially if they do not drive, can’t afford the gas/travel expenses??? This is going to do more harm than good.
Leonard R.
I’m already onSsdi do I still have to go to the office
Julie L.
I appreciate and don’t take my Social Security for granted. I worked for it since I was 16, I worked hard for it. I file my taxes every year, as well with my Social Security Income. I have a “My Social Security ” account, and I use it. In these times of uncertainty of what changes may or may not be, I respect and adhere to the SSA policies and procedures. My Social Security Income is my income, and I pray that SSA will not be affected. Thank you for your support and efforts!!