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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Eileen
My opinion only and yes I’m on social security. I believe social security’s old structures should end with gen X remove surviver benefits to a new program. But at the same time creating a new program that can invest a % so it can be used to replenish its own system or have a future trust for minors as the approach adulthood.
As for old system BB and Gen X would be better if you had section 8 for them especially for the ppl that make less then 1500 a month. I also believe if food stamps for them would be more then $25 dollars a month. More in the amount of 300 . That alone would help. Instead of give the large amount to a group of people with no moral integrity.
I believe that a % of the tariff should be pulled to support these programs. By annually .monitoring of fica is still receiving in this system of investing. By gen Z next gen etc.
Charles S.
Does this include the people that already have social security, so we have to go into the social security office to provide we are who we are and alive.
C.B.
Hi, Charles. 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.
Duane W.
I’m older and more sick by the month. I’ve paid into SSI for nearly 45 years Nobody asked me to prove my identity to contribute but now this sick old man will have to do so. And all due to Trump’s BS claims. We all know how this will end. Thanks maga.
Tonie M.
If you have a on line account with SSA do you have to go in to prove your ID
Charlene D.
Since October 2024, I obligated myself foolishly, to help my senior neighbor who lost payments for (direct express) they need a social security card for ID I’ve sent in two applications, the last one on the 7th, still haven’t received the card, now, I’m going to have to take this 85y old man in a cab to Williams Street, that I have to pay for! So he can get a social security card, and get his payments back started. I’m becoming depressed! Seven months without paying rent, phone got turned off and I still get the run around for direct express about using my phone! What? I’m tried.
Tammy
I think this is ridiculous for people already receiving SS. My mother is 83 years old, on hospice, and not able to get out much. How do you expect disabled people to make an in person visit. If you really want to see if the people are legit, then rehire those you fired and have them go house to house to prove the person’s identity. I voted for Trump but I didn’t vote for this. You are causing more harm than good. You are hurting our elderly people instead of helping them.
Sandra
If you are drawing Social Security . You are still working and paying in to social security. What happens to the money you are now paying in to social security. Do it increase your social security check.
Sandra
What happens to the money that is being paid to social security if you are still working and have already started drawing your social security.
Well that money increase your social security payment monthly. Who gets the money.
Corey M.
This is for people APPLYING for social security and changing direct deposit if needed,correct ?. If a person who been receiving social security for 30 plus years can void the my social security online ?
C.B.
Hi, Corey. Thanks for using our blog. You are correct. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if not applying for cash benefits and if not changing direct deposit information. People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. We hope this clears up any confusion.
Eduardo
I have everything ok, I need the proof anyway?
C.B.
Hi, Eduardo. 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.