In response to growing concerns about fraud and identity theft, the Social Security Administration is enhancing its security protocols, requiring in-person verification for certain transactions that can’t be completed online. The move is designed to prevent bad actors from using stolen personal data—often found on the dark web—to hijack benefit payments.
Who Must Prove Their Identity in 2025?
You only need to verify your identity if:
- You are applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse/Child) benefits and cannot complete the process online.
- You are changing your direct deposit information and are unable to do so through your my Social Security account.
- You are submitting a paper application or starting a benefit application by phone for programs requiring in-person proofing.
You do NOT need to verify your identity if:
- You’re already receiving benefits and are not changing your direct deposit information.
- You use your verified my Social Security account to complete transactions.
- You are applying for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — these are exempt from in-person identity proofing.
- You do not receive any benefits.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The SSA is shifting away from outdated identity checks based on personal knowledge questions, which have become vulnerable to cybercriminals. According to SSA officials, these new identity verification rules are a critical step in protecting current and future benefit payments.
“We are updating our policy to provide better service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Leland Dudek, Acting SSA Commissioner, in a March 26 statement.
How to Prove Your Identity
| Situation | Do You Need to Visit SSA? | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Applying online with my Social Security account | No | Prove identity digitally |
| Applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits by phone or paper | Yes | In-person identity check at SSA office |
| Changing direct deposit online via my Social Security | No | Secure online update |
| Changing direct deposit without online access | Yes | Must visit SSA office |
| Applying for Medicare, SSDI, or SSI | No | Can verify by phone |
| Receiving benefits without changes | No | No action needed |
Proving a Child’s Identity
If you’re applying for benefits on behalf of a child:
- Children (ages 0–17) do not need to appear in person.
- Parents or guardians must prove their own identity and may be asked to submit documents verifying their relationship to the child.
- Accepted documents are listed in the SSA’s Priority List of Acceptable Evidence available on SSA.gov.
Can Someone Help Me Apply?
Yes — but with conditions:
- If someone helps you while you’re using your own verified my Social Security account, you don’t need to visit an SSA office.
- If someone else submits your application by phone, paper, or an unverified online account, you must prove your identity in person before the SSA will process it.
Beware of Scams
The SSA will never send text messages asking for identity information. If you receive a message like this, do not respond — it’s a scam.
How to Locate a Social Security Office
If you need in-person service, use the SSA Office Locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to find your nearest location and schedule an appointment.
Bottom Line: What You Should Do Now
- Create a my Social Security account if you haven’t already — it’s the easiest way to avoid in-person verification.
- Only visit an SSA office if required based on the type of benefit or transaction.
- If you’re not applying for benefits or updating your account, no action is needed.
These updated rules take effect April 14, 2025, and aim to better protect your personal information and financial benefits.
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