- SS. Are payments retroactive with the Social Security Fairness Act?
- SS. SSI April 2025 Maximum Payment: Here's the exact amount you can expect
The Social Security istration (SSA) is rolling out a series of major security enhancements aimed at protecting Social Security records and preventing fraudulent activity. With identity theft and financial fraud on the rise, the agency is implementing stricter verification protocols to ensure that only the rightful beneficiaries receive benefits.
Over the next two weeks, SSA will transition to more rigorous identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit modifications.
Individuals who cannot utilize their my Social Security online -which requires digital identity verification-will be required to prove their identity in person at a local SSA office.
At the same time, the agency is expediting the processing of direct deposit changes, reducing the wait time from 30 days to just one business day, whether the request is made online or in person.
Strengthening security while ensuring efficiency
Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Lee Dudek, emphasized the importance of these reforms.
"Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance. For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service," Dudek noted.
To ensure a smooth transition, SSA is conducting a two-week training period for its employees, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to implement the new policies effectively. Once the transition period ends on March 31, 2025, online digital identity verification and in-person proofing will become mandatory.
For those who are unable to access the my Social Security online portal, SSA will allow claims to be initiated over the phone, but final processing will require an in-person visit to confirm the applicant's identity. The agency strongly advises scheduling an appointment in advance to complete the claim in a single visit, though walk-ins will still be accommodated.
Individuals who need to update their direct deposit information but are unable to do so online will have two options: visiting an SSA office in person or calling 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.