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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Debbie
Stay out of our Social Security muskrat! Why don’t you go to your $8 million a day paycheck that you get from our government our taxes? Why don’t you cut your pay? shame on you!
Roxanne
To my knowledge, Mr Musk isn’t even receiving a paycheck for all the time and skills he’s personally donating to our government. He’s trying to HELP keep our Social Security system solvent by shining the light on the errors, inefficient methods, and fraud that has been allowed to flurish for decades.
By helping to rid the department of obvious payments that should NOT be getting paid out–President Trump, with the help of Elon Musk, are helping to insure the SS Benefit funds WILL be available for decades to come–to the rightfully entitled people who deserve them.
To think otherwise, is just evidence that you’ve allowed certain people to effect you with their nonstop messages of hate and fear… For your own sake, I hope you will please try to see through those tactics.
Olivia D.
The SSA’s updated identity verification measures strike a thoughtful balance between enhanced fraud protection and improved access for vulnerable populations. By exempting certain claims and offering alternatives, the agency demonstrates a commitment to both security and service.
Kristine W.
My boyfriend is in hospice and can not do proof of identity. Can not do my ssa or travel what can we do to help him
Roxanne
Skip doing a MY SSA account (that’s what has just expired) On a tablet or cell phone with Internet access and an email address, you should be able to create a LOGIN.GOV account for him… Have the Hospice people help if necessary… Hang in there…😉
Margaret S.
What kind of ID will you need if you go to Social Security Office for the new government requirements.
Roxanne
Your State certified Birth Certificate for sure…(order online through their Department of Vital Records) and probably a valid driver’s license or State ID card, and maybe– a utility bill or rental agreement or property tax bill…something to verify your address…
Alice S.
Why did the system ask me to update my password at ss.gov, only to send me to create an account at login,gov? I’ve had my social security account for years so why does the government need me to re-create, within the government system, another login somewhere else?
Vicki
In reading at ss.gov, I understand that if you already have “mysocialsecurity” account, you are fine. I received the same info re: login.gov, but it did not come from ss.gov. I’m not going to sign up with new login site. Too many scams out there.
Fotios P.
The other day I tried to create the unique identity code but something did not work and I could not do it. I think I should have received a message from the SSA asking me to confirm that it was I who tried to create that code, inform me on why it did not work and direct me on how to create it.
Roxanne
Yes, you’re correct–there are alot of scams…but this isn’t one of them…
You definitely need to follow the prompts to transfer your MySSA to the Login.gov system….they’ve been advising people to do this since September 2021 I believe… It’s a streamlined transition with new and better safety protocols–for your benefit. Don’t delay–If you miss the deadline, you may have to go in person to get it done.
Roxanne
The MY SS account system has been getting phased out since September of 2021 I believe… The warning messages for the transition have been known for years…
The Login.gov system is streamlined, very user friendly, and has new and better safety protections for your personal information.
Trinley
“Paid for at U.S. taxpayer expense”! Seriously?
WE THE PEOPLE have a right to information about the BENEFITS WE PAID INTO ALL OUR LIVES. WHY stick THIS PASSIVE – AGGRESSIVE comment at the top of the comments instruction page? What’s the point of such a message?
After you lock all Americans stuck abroad out of our SSA accounts. GOOD JOB! AND CLOSING THE FOREIGN OFFICES WORKED OUT PERFECTLY FOR THIS ADMINISTRATION, HUH?
Dave
I have been locked out of my SSA account until I verify my identity, my license is “blurry” and my phone # cannot be linked to me according to SSA…I’ve been using it for 5 years, had the app on the phone. I have used this SSA account for more than 5 years as I am a rep. payee for another adult (SSDI).. never an issue until this month until SSA made these changes. You broke the system. Now I have to take time off and drive to my local office, 50 miles away. I have tried to fix over the phone, 2 different agents, nothing worked.
C. D.
I was told there was a deadline date of April 15 for updates on SS to prove I am still receiving benefits and am still alive to receive them.
Kristin
This SO unclear. Please post what current social security recipients need to do in order to maintain their benefits. The information posted above is exceptionally unclear.
R. L.
I need to change my mailing address so I can keep all my identification information concurrent so I can update my id needed to comply with TSA regulations for upgrading to the RealID identification status so I can fly to New York for my daughter’s 40 th birthday…but every time I try to set up the My account and load all the existing information that is installed in the account keeps refusing to let me log in to my own account…I need to change the mailing address so all my information about my identity matches and I know if one “t” is not crossed or one “I” not dotted I won’t be allowed to board any airline at any airport in this continental United States…i worked with the federal government for 10 years as a General Contractor so I’ve been schooled in the efficiency of certain departments who can and will make my life as hard and complicated taking every word from the book and if my documentation isn’t an exact duplicate to all the rules, ordnances and codes I am out of luck trying to board my flight…I am all in for having the plethora of appropriate documentation for the security of everyone that will be on that flight because I’m aware of the times we are all locked into and that the trust factor has gone through the roof and that it’s not a product of the people of America it’s the incompetence of our politicians who instead of realizing that it shouldn’t matter what side of the isle you sit on because both sides are American Citizens and we want we are entitled to and the sooner all those mouths we voted for come down from their podiums and YouTube websites maybe they will stop acting like the Hatfields and McCoys put away their big long pointing fingers and look to the people who employ them who should be able to fire at least half of the reasons why there is so much wrong with our great land!! How about a universal motto or mantra “Let’s All Unite Goodness & Happiness” or “LAUGH” which cures many a headache or discomfort with just a smile!!