The Social Security Administration (SSA) is introducing new rules to enhance identity verification, focusing on preventing fraud in direct deposit changes and benefit claims.
Originally set to take effect on March 31, 2025, the changes were postponed to April 14, 2025, following criticism from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and beneficiaries.
The updated process will differ based on the type of benefit and the applicant’s ability to verify their identity online.
Those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who cannot verify their identity online can complete their claims by phone, avoiding the need for an in-person visit.
This exemption aims to assist vulnerable populations. However, individuals seeking retirement, survivor, or auxiliary benefits must verify their identity in person at an SSA office if they cannot use the ‘my Social Security’ online portal.
In-Person Verification and Acceptable Documents
For those required to verify their identity in person, the SSA will accept specific documents categorized as primary or secondary identification, as outlined in the SSA’s Program Operations Manual.
Primary identification documents include:
- Unexpired U.S. state-issued driver’s licenses
- Non-driver state ID cards
- U.S. passports or passport cards
- Certain residency and immigration documents
If primary documents are unavailable, the SSA will accept secondary identification documents, such as:
- U.S. military IDs
- U.S. naturalization or citizenship certificates
- Government or non-government employee IDs with a photo or birth date
- Certified medical records
- Health insurance or Medicaid cards (excluding Medicare) with a photo, age, or birth date
- School IDs
- Life insurance policies
- Religious or tribal documents that meet SSA standards
All documents must be original, properly certified by the issuing agency, and unexpired unless otherwise specified.
Individuals unable to use the online portal can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.
The SSA will waive identity verification in extreme cases, such as terminal illnesses or pre-release scenarios for prisoners.
Interim Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek defended the new rules, citing over $100 million in annual losses due to direct deposit fraud.
He argued that previous knowledge-based authentication methods relied on publicly available information.
Despite exemptions and the delayed rollout, the policy remains controversial.
Max Richtman of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare criticized the requirement for in-person verification, stating that limiting phone-based verification creates unnecessary barriers.
These changes come amid broader government efforts to cut costs and reduce fraud.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk’s leadership, is planning to close 47 local Social Security offices, further fueling concerns about access to services.
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