Correcting the Record About Social Security Direct Deposit and Telephone Services
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: March 26, 2025
Recent reports in the media that Social Security plans to eliminate telephone services are inaccurate. SSA is increasing its protection for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone.
SSA continuously investigates and analyzes potential threats to strengthen and secure our programs and protect people who receive benefits. Approximately 40 percent of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with someone calling SSA to change direct deposit bank information. SSA’s current protocol of simply asking identifying questions by telephone is no longer enough to prevent fraud.
If someone needs to change their bank account information on SSA’s record, they will need to either:
- Use two-factor authentication with SSA’s “my Social Security” service; or
- Visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity.
These methods align with most major banks.
All other SSA telephone services remain unchanged.
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Jonathan D.
Is our disability going up when they get rid of all the fraud
Marshal C.
When did this change take affect? I changed my direct deposit and my account states it will not take effect until April 19, 2025.
Anthony V.
I’m trying to help my mother that is in a rehabilitation center with updating her direct deposit information so she can receive her check and no matter what I do nothing can be changed due to a fraud block or something like that. I sat on hold for three hours after the first lady said she had to talk to her directly. I sit on hold and when they get on the phone she answered all the questions and told her they can’t update her bank account information. She’s in a physical therapy center she can’t leave whenever she wants and I can’t even set an appointment for her. What can be done because this is ridiculous I’m her son and can prove it and I have all her information but keep hitting walls.
Rita G.
Enrolled in Medicare May 2024 and will enroll for my Social Security benefits in March 2026. System already verified my identity and eligibility for Medicare; will I have to do this again?
John B.
If I am not changing my direct deposit information, do I have to prove my identity in person to continue receiving social security payments?
C.B.
Hi, John. 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 clears up any confusion.
Kenneth e.
I want to know more about cash benefits
A M.
Is this new policy for only recipients who wanted to change their address, phone number and direct deposit, I have been getting mine through direct deposit and I live in foreign country
C.B.
Thanks for using our blog, A M. If you are already getting benefits, there is no need to contact Social Security to prove your identity. 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.
Eve F.
This is being disemminated all over the Internet. Please confirm or disavow. I, for one, am confused about all of the conflicting messaging. —> A major change is coming for millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the United States. Beginning in April, all recipients will be required to verify their identity in person at official offices in order to continue receiving monthly payments. This new measure, introduced by the Trump administration through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to strengthen oversight of federal spending and reduce fraud within the Social Security system.
The change has already sparked concern, particularly among older adults and individuals in rural areas who may face challenges accessing government offices. The new rule applies to both new applicants and current beneficiaries, replacing the previous system that allowed identity verification through the official Social Security website. Those who fail to complete this step could lose access to their benefits, as unverified accounts may be flagged as inactive or fraudulent.
Andy
All Social Security recipients are NOT required to verify their identity at a SSA office in-person.
The identity verification that is starting soon is for those changing their direct deposit information for their existing benefits…or…for those starting a new application for Social Security benefits in-person or by phone.
In both of those scenarios, they can bypass the in-person verification by making the direct deposit change or enrolling in Social Security benefits in their online SSA.gov account.
You can see T.Y. from Social Security has confirmed this on other questions above and below your comment.
If you’re already receiving benefits and not making changes to your direct deposit information, no action is required.
Eve F.
I have been receiving retirement social security with direct deposit for years. I passed the tests to have an id.me account to access social security online. Do I need to physically go to a local office to do this again? Please advise in clear language the deadlines to do this (if necessary), so I can plan accordingly. Thank you.
T.Y.
Hi, Eve. Thanks for your question and for reading our blog. People who are applying for Social Security benefits or changing direct deposit information will need to prove their identity. People who already received monthly benefits will continue to receive their direct deposit to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We hope this helps.
Kristin M.
Do I need to verify my identity if I’m already receiving benefits and DON’T want to change direct deposit bank information?
T.Y.
Thanks for your question and for reading our blog. People who already received monthly benefits will continue to receive their direct deposit to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We hope this helps.
Deb c.
I’m disabled I cannot walk I already have direct deposit I think that proves I’ve already given identification my parents don’t have a computer or a car so you expect us to do all this the ones who already receive it should be excluded due to the fact we showed or proof already
Katie W.
I currently receive disability will I need to come in person to verify every month that is hard as I don’t have a car or people available to take me please clear this confusion I don’t want to lose my benefits just because I can’t come in person which is hard for people who don’t have any way to get there