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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Concerned R.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/doge-backs-off-plan-to-scrap-key-social-security-service-after-backlash/ar-AA1AOe4J?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=b5102c40927449438e354207cff52477&ei=15
So, this SSA press release isn’t very honest, is it? The ACOSS is over his head. How much fraud is really happening due to checks being diverted? If 40% of DD actions are now done by phone, do you really think that funneling a large number of those persons into shrinking field offices is the answer (because contrary to what the DOGE kids think, many aged and disabled beneficiaries and recipients aren’t online)? This “issue” could have waited for a better solution (passwords on the beneficiary record, better/new ID questions, etc.). But no – this administration is in a hurry to make dumb changes that are just going to harm the public. Oh well, right?
P.S. I haven’t been to a bank in years…. What about this process “aligns” with “most major banks?”
Vesna
Please do not make it harder on us because you “think” it’s better. Find a way to make phone calls secure like many other do!
Ursula K.
This is rich what with Social Security offices closings.
Barb F.
I have tried to reply to two posts on this thread. Why are my posts not showing up? Not a good look for the “new” SSA…just saying.
Daniel
People with complex problems need to be able to rely on the phone system. Perhaps better security measures could be put in place, such as identification via drivers license apps.
Annie.
Is there changes to spousal death benefits for divorced spouses? If this is true please post a public notice.
Mary S.
Since you are closing a large number of offices, going into an office for many is not possible. There is also a large number of seniors that only receive SS benefits, they can’t afford internet. None of this is in the best interest of the senior citizens of this country.
Regina O.
The trustworthy media outlets do their research and publish news, not PR briefs and party lines. The fact that SSA is blaming the media for spreading news about what is happening and then denying it is concerning, as is so much in this administration.
Stacy S.
Why are you saying social security is an entitlement when I worked my whole life paying into it. Stop trying to break the SSA by laying people off and being sneaky about it cause there is no fraud, waste and abuse that is what the inspector general was for to find it and it’s not there. Hands off our retirement money
Barb F.
In many rural areas, seniors will not have access to interacting with Social Security representatives unless they travel many miles. Many seniors do not feel comfortable using technology and many seniors do not have someone whom they can trust to act on their behalf to conduct business online or over the phone. We need federal workers to be staffed in SSA offices and available to interact when needed.