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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William R.
Nothing said about us that are retired and living overseas? Can not visit an office?
Reece T.
Had ssi since 1999. Went to 3840 chrenshaw blvd,90008 office with expired id,Social security card ,and knowledge of all my information lady gave me attitude asking if i had appointment, then refused my service because my id was expired, so i don’t get to transfer my bank direct deposit or speak to supervisor or see policy on paper before being escorted out by security. Got home read policy and see the worker didn’t understand the policy or used the poor language and ambiguous nature of the policy to draw conclusions that saw her finding excuses to not help me and do her job.
Paul E.
Complaint. April 14th I received a letter saying my direct deposit for monthly benefits changed at my request. I did not make the request.
On April 1st, 2025 I tried to log in to my Social Security account and during login my my online access was suspended. I have to prove who I am in person. On April 1st, I spoke with SS representative to schedule an appointment for access to my account. April 14th I received a letter saying my direct deposit for monthly benefits changed at my request. I did not make the request on April 1st. April 15th, went to social security website and I would have to make an appointment or write a letter to correct the mistake or possible fraud.
Sandra C.
Having a hard time understanding how to get real I’d .. I’m retired & do receive a check for money I put into social security but I’ve misplaced my social security card years ago & I don’t drive pls help
Rebecca S.
Had this account for years. Log in every month. Once I log in it sends me a code on my phone, enter code and I’m in. NOT today…requiring me to verify identity by scanning driver’s license. I proceed to do so, but I need to check a box before advancing to scanning screen. The box states, “By checking this box, you are letting Login.gov ask for, use, keep, and SHARE your personal information. We will use it to verify your identity. WHY DO THEY NEED TO SHARE MY INFORMATION!!