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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Carol W.
I am not changing anything with my SS direct deposit.
Do I still have to reprove my identity to SSA?
This whole rollout is a complete mess. Stupid trump and musk idea!
Paul E.
Lack of Control for Potential fraud. On April 1st, I logged on with my.ID. only to get a popup window saying my online access has been suspended. I called the 1-800-Social security number. They told me they can’t restore my online account. I have to make in person appointment. April 14th, I received a letter saying my direct deposit account changed per my April 1st request?……..I made no such request. Now I’m on a more than two hour hold -800-Social security number. The last time you called me back 6 hours later. This is the reverse of efficiency!
Crystal
This is a hot mess what this hateful administration is doing. There’s nothing official y barring ppl from filing for benefits & the 6 hour wait for a call back never happened for me. Upon office closure for the day, the call automatically aborted.
Jackie M.
I’d sure like to know what you found out. Got that letter today. Since they knew payout exactly it’s scary as heck
DOGEpoo P.
HMMM…I smell a rat (a MUSKrat) and his DOGE’s implementing the new Big Brother In-Person ID verification to capture personal information on all of us and eliminate from the databases all who do not (or cannot) comply?!?
Poorly designed, poorly implemented, poorly timed (tax season IRA website login having the same disasters)!!! The Brute Squad is coming!!!
Crystal
I agree. America is now truly amongst the shit countries that Trump referred to Africa and others as.
Lori
I no longer trust what this administration is stating. Musk us lying and not transparent. Every word from trump is a lie.
You work for us not him or Musk.
I am a retired executive who also was responsible for dept efficiencies and reducing unit costs while improving customer and employee satisfaction. There is a right way and a stupid irresponsible way… you are in the later category… prove me wrong. Please
NEENA P.
i changed my bank deposit on social security website. the The ss ck keeps coming on my old bank account. how can i correct it so that check is deposited in the new bank
how long it takes for ss to change the bank
information
Bill G.
I get the security concerns, but not everyone can easily visit an office or use online services. What about seniors who aren’t tech-savvy? SSA should make sure there’s still a way for them to update their info safely.
Bill H.
I get the security concerns, but not everyone can easily visit an office or use online services. What about seniors who aren’t tech-savvy? SSA should make sure there’s still a way for them to update their info safely.
Killy b.
Finally, the SSA is taking fraud seriously! Scammers targeting seniors are the lowest of the low. If this helps protect our grandparents’ hard-earned benefits, then I’m all for it.
Carey R.
It’s true SSA is stopping press release to the public of the people.
Anita s.
Try to change my direct deposit online and this is what they said 👇👇
We require more information to process your
request.
Please visit your local office for assistance. You can search for the closest Social Security office at Social Security Office Locator.
My question is why this ?
Mrs C.
Fraud prevention.
You can lock your direct deposit. Once you authorize that lock any changes you want later require an inperson visit.
Research it from the source, not from social media.