Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 24, 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 against fraudulent activity. Over the next two weeks, SSA will carefully transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes. Individuals seeking these services who cannot use their personal my Social Security account, which requires online identity proofing, will then need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person. At the same time, the agency will expedite processing all direct deposit change requests – both in person and online – to one business day. Prior to this change, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”
The agency’s two-week transition plan includes training frontline employees and management about the new policy and careful monitoring of policy compliance. At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone. However, the claim cannot be completed until the individual’s identity is verified in person. The agency therefore recommends calling to request an in-person appointment to begin and complete the claim in one interaction. Individuals with and without an appointment will need to prove identity before starting a transaction. Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information, can visit a local office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.
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.
SSA plans to implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of the 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.
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 at the same time safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers.
People who do not already have a “my Social Security” account can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
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Patsy N.
Does anyone, any Social security representative actually read abs respond to these messages? I want to post an urgent request But do many of these seem unanswered!
Debora
Every time I try to get on ssa logging it says unable to process request . I cleared my cache I did identity thing . Site down . June 7 2025
Michaela E.
I am not sure what is going on, the ssa portal shows it paid my backpay on 5/1/25 however when Kansas city treasury called me to double check my account number for direct deposit she keyed in an extra 4 which caused the money to go back to treasury and it was released back to ssa but still hasn’t come to me. I call everyday…Mebrunmeier@gmail.com
Alison R.
I changed my direct deposit bank via ‘My Social Security’ and ‘Logon’ two weeks ago, early May. There was and still is no indication of the change happening in one business day. The effective date is one day after the June payment, so my new bank won’t receive the deposit until late July! Because of this delay I won’t get the benefits that the bank offers to people opening an account and having direct deposit.
Alison R.
I called the SSA using the following procedure. I was told that the ‘one business day’ change of direct deposit information could only be effected over the phone or at an office. The online method still takes 30+ days.
“Beginning April 28, 2025, you can change your direct deposit by calling 1-800-772-1213. Before you call, go to ssa.gov/PIN to get a one-time code that you will give to the Social Security representative. To generate the code, you will need to sign in to or create a personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to create an account, you will need to come into a local Social Security office or arrange for direct deposit through your bank.”
Kurt A.
The process for verifying your ID on line for both ID Me and LOGON.GOV don’t actually work. I’ve taken my picture multiple times, it always tells me my ID is verified and to return to my computer. But nothing changes on my computer. I’m still stuck on the ID page. It’s a 2 hour wait to talk to someone on line. I just retired from SSA. This is some serious dysfunction. I’ve got no choice but to go into an office.
Chris G.
My direct deposit information was not accepted when I visited my local office with proper identification. I don’t understand why after having read the article above.
GLORIA
WHAT CHANGES ARE THERE REGARDING ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR SSD TITLE 11
FOR ATTYS/ AND NONATTYS THAT ARE REGISTERED
RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ENTER OR SUBMITT APPLICATIONS FOR THE CLAIMANT
Milagros S.
I need to talk soonone in the people to change my bank account I have a new account bank 4196101724ormilagrosserrano744@ Gmail.com
John M.
How can I straighten out my Social Security payment. For the last 15 years I’ve been getting only half what I’ve been told I should be getting. When I signed up for Social Security I had two numbers I had been working under. I was told the two numbers would be put together and I would be receiving what I earn from both. That didn’t happen. They disagreed one and only gave me one. About half of what I should be getting. I should be getting about $2400.00 a month and I receive only $1234.00 a month. I’ve learned to live on the $1234.00 a month but it is hard and I have no back up.At the end of the month I’m zero out if not over dawn. But I’m 80 years old and hold it together. John Michael Dickey, johndickey90@gmail.com or (808) 280-1831
Mandamus
Thank you for the informative article on the recent changes to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) identity proofing requirements and their efforts to expedite direct deposit changes. It is crucial to keep up with such developments, especially in today’s digital environment where identity theft is on the rise. The push towards stricter identity verification not only protects beneficiaries but also enhances the overall security of federal programs. In addition to the points you’ve covered, it’s worth noting how these measures align with broader trends in government services moving towards more digital interfaces. For example, various state departments are adopting multi-factor authentication as a standard practice, which significantly reduces fraud. Another interesting aspect to consider is how these changes could impact the SSA’s engagement with underserved communities that may face challenges accessing digital services. Ensuring equitable access while implementing stronger security measures could present a unique balancing act for the SSA. Given the complexities of the legal system, especially concerning the right to receive timely benefits, have you ever considered how the concept of a “writ of mandamus” https://mandamus.net/ could come into play if a beneficiary feels that their rights are being infringed upon due to delays caused by bureaucratic processes? How can such legal measures coexist with initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and security in federal services?