Social Security Administration Strengthens Security Measures to Prevent Fraud

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is enhancing the security of its services to protect Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans.

New identity verification procedures will be implemented starting April 14, 2025, with a focus on safeguarding against fraudulent activities. The SSA’s efforts include updated in-person identity proofing for individuals unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services.

“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, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who are unable to use a personal my Social Security account can complete their claim entirely by phone, eliminating the need to visit an office.

However, for individuals applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits, those who cannot use the my Social Security account will be required to prove their identity through either online digital verification or in-person proofing at a Social Security office.

The SSA has clarified that in extreme cases—such as terminal illnesses or prisoners preparing for release—the policy may be bypassed, pending documentation and management approval.

SSA officials emphasized that the changes do not apply to those seeking benefits through Medicare, Disability, or SSI, where multiple opportunities to verify identity exist during the application process.

In an effort to improve customer service and efficiency, SSA has also mandated that nearly all agency employees, including frontline workers across the country, report to the office five days a week. This change ensures that there will be sufficient staffing to support the enhanced in-person identity proofing requirements.

Individuals who need to change their direct deposit information and are unable to use the online my Social Security services will have to visit a local Social Security office.

Alternatively, they can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment. The agency encourages those who cannot apply online for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits to call and arrange an appointment to begin and complete their claim in one visit.

As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent fraud, SSA will implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service’s Account Verification Service (AVS). This service will provide real-time bank verification to proactively prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests.

The SSA continues to monitor and adjust its procedures to ensure that it is paying the right benefits to the right individuals at the right time while maintaining the integrity of its programs. The agency remains committed to safeguarding benefits and improving service to the American public.

For those who don’t have a my Social Security account, they can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.