The Social Security Administration is strengthening its identity verification procedures while reducing the wait time for direct deposit changes to just one business day. This improvement, set to fully implement by March 31, 2025, aims to better protect beneficiaries from fraud.
Under the new policy, individuals who cannot use their personal my Social Security account for online identity verification will need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person. This change eliminates the previous 30-day waiting period for online direct deposit changes.
“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.”
To accommodate increased in-person visits, SSA has required all agency employees to work in-office five days a week, ensuring maximum staffing availability. While beneficiaries can still begin claims by telephone, they must verify their identity in person to complete the process.
The agency recommends scheduling in-person appointments to start and complete claims in one visit. SSA will also implement the Treasury Department’s Account Verification Service for instant bank verification to prevent fraud.
Those without a my Social Security account can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
For more information, please visit Social Security’s blog site.
