The Social Security Administration announced on Monday that recipients will now need to verify their identity in person or online, but no longer will accept verification over the phone.
This change applies to anyone looking to acquire benefits and changes in direct deposits.
“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,” a blog post on the agency’s website reads.
“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 post continues.
“The agency therefore recommends calling to request an in-person appointment to begin and complete the claim in one interaction.”
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Acting Commissioner of Social Security Lee Dudek said. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”
The agency detailed its transition plan.
“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.”
For those worried about whether these changes will delay their benefits, the SSA pledged to “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.”
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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