Starting this May, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out new procedures aimed at strengthening security and reducing the risk of fraud.

These changes, which officially took effect in April 2025, will affect how individuals interact with the SSA, particularly regarding identity verification, benefit applications, and direct deposit updates.

The primary goal of these changes is to ensure the protection of Social Security services by making sure that identities are verified securely and that fraud is minimized.

New Identity Verification Procedures

The SSA is introducing stricter identity verification procedures to ensure that only the rightful person is applying for benefits. These procedures are now active across all SSA offices and processes.

From now on, individuals who cannot use their personal “my Social Security” account for certain services will be required to verify their identity in person.

This applies specifically to people applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits, such as Spousal or Child benefits.

To help the public better understand these updated requirements, the SSA has created an informational webpage titled “What to Know about Proving Your Identity.” This page provides details about the new rules and helps individuals navigate the process of identity verification.

At first, the SSA intended to require in-person identity verification for all benefit applications when not using the online portal.

However, following feedback from clients, Congress members, and other stakeholders, the agency adjusted its plan. Now, applicants for Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will not need to visit an office in person. They can complete their applications entirely by phone if they are unable to access their “my Social Security” account.

However, for those applying for Retirement, Survivors, and Auxiliary benefits, an in-person visit is still mandatory if the online account is not used.

The SSA encourages individuals to schedule an in-office appointment to complete these claims in a single visit, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Direct Deposit Changes

Another major change involves direct deposit updates. If an individual is not using their “my Social Security” account to update their banking information, they will now need to visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.

This change comes after the SSA identified phone-based banking updates as a significant fraud risk. The agency has determined that the old system of verifying identity by phone alone is no longer secure enough to protect individuals’ sensitive information.

To reduce the risk of fraud, the SSA now requires either in-person verification or the use of the online portal with two-factor authentication.

This means that any update to a person’s banking information will be more secure and less prone to manipulation by fraudsters. By requiring additional security measures, the SSA aims to ensure that all transactions are legitimate and that your benefits are being paid to the correct bank account.

Additionally, the SSA is implementing the Treasury Department’s Account Verification Service (AVS), which will allow for real-time bank account verification when processing direct deposit updates.

This service is another step in the SSA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and combat fraud. The AVS system will verify that the account being used for direct deposit is a valid account, providing an extra layer of protection for everyone involved.

Streamlining Direct Deposit Updates

In addition to enhancing security, the SSA is also making changes to improve the efficiency of direct deposit updates. In the past, online changes to direct deposit information were subject to a 30-day hold period.

This meant that individuals had to wait up to a month before their banking details were fully updated. However, starting in April, the SSA has reduced that waiting period to just one business day, whether the update is made in person or online.

This change is a major improvement, allowing individuals to have their banking details updated much more quickly. This faster processing time is possible due to the SSA returning to full-time, in-office operations.

With more staff available, the SSA can handle these verification demands more efficiently, ensuring that people’s updates are processed without unnecessary delays.

How the Changes Will Affect You?

For individuals who rely on Social Security benefits, these new procedures can feel overwhelming, but they are designed to protect your identity and ensure that your benefits are securely delivered to you.

The SSA’s new identity verification procedures, while slightly more involved than before, will make the process safer and less vulnerable to fraud. Whether you’re applying for benefits or updating your banking information, it is important to understand these changes and comply with the new procedures to avoid delays.

If you’re unsure about how to proceed, the SSA’s website provides detailed instructions and resources to help guide you through the process. You can also contact their customer service line for assistance if you have any questions about the changes.

What You Need to Know?

• In-person verification: If you can’t use your “my Social Security” account, you will need to verify your identity in person when applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits.
• Disability, Medicare, and SSI applications: These applications can still be completed by phone if you cannot access your online account.
• Banking updates: If you’re not using your online account to update banking information, you will need to visit an SSA office or make an appointment to verify your identity in person.
• Account Verification Service (AVS): This new service will allow for real-time bank account verification when updating direct deposit information.
• Faster updates: The waiting period for direct deposit updates has been reduced to just one business day.

Conclusion

The Social Security Administration’s new procedures, which will be fully enforced starting in May, are part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and reduce fraud.

While these changes may require some adjustments for beneficiaries, they are designed to protect your sensitive information and ensure that your benefits are properly delivered.

By following the updated procedures and taking advantage of the SSA’s online resources, you can continue to receive your benefits securely and without delay.