Editor's Note: This article was updated on April 16, 2025.
Social Security has been a topic of conversation, a source of confusion, and—in some cases—a cause for concern for many Americans as recent staff cuts and policy changes may impact access. In fact, public concern around Social Security is up to a 15-year high, according to recent Gallup research. You may have heard rumblings that things are changing, especially as it pertains to identity verification, so here's what we know now.
What Is the New Social Security ID Policy?
After claims of alleged “fraud and waste,” the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced plans to strengthen identity proofing requirements on March 18, 2025. These plans were initially slated to go into effect on March 31, 2025, and required individuals seeking to claim benefits or request direct deposit changes to do so via their secure “my Social Security” online account or in person at an SSA office. The “my Social Security” portal has built-in identity verification measures, and an in-person visit would take place at one of the over 1,200 SSA field offices across the country. Restricting the ID verification policy to just these two methods meant that the ability to claim benefits over the phone was no longer an option, as this was no longer deemed a secure method for verifying one’s identity.
However, on March 26, after significant feedback, the SSA released an update. The new ID verification policy took effect on April 14, 2025, and enables individuals who cannot use a “my Social Security” account to claim benefits over the phone. Additionally, Medicare, Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications will be exempt from in-person identity proofing because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.
However, individuals who cannot use their personal “my Social Security” account to apply for benefits will still need to prove their identity at an SSA office if applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits. The SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing or in-person identity proofing for these cases. The agency will not enforce these requirements in extreme, dire-need situations, such as terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios. And individuals who wish to make a change to their direct deposit and cannot use their “my Social Security” account must still make that change in person at an SSA office.
Who Is Impacted by the New Social Security ID Policy?
In short, everyone will be impacted by this new policy. However, the magnitude of this policy change depends on a few factors, including proximity/access to an SSA office, internet connection, and internet savvy. Most Americans are well-versed in using online accounts and savvy enough to navigate the internet safely and securely (and if you need any refreshers on how to stay safe online, check out this article). But older retirees may not feel the same level of comfort using an online account. And if they’ve been claiming their benefits over the phone for years, having to switch to an online account could be a shock.
Then, there’s the question of those individuals who don’t live anywhere near an SSA office. Or those with disabilities that prohibit them from making the trek to a field office. They can claim their regular Social Security benefits over the phone, but what if they need to make a direct deposit change or apply for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits? Rural areas often have spotty internet access, which may force individuals living in these communities into a field office. These individuals might have to take an entire day just to drive to an office and fill out some routine paperwork. If they have a disability, they might be beholden to the schedules of their family or caregivers. This could all be a major disruption.
How to Prepare for the New ID Policy
With the new update having taken effect, the best way to prepare is to create a “my Social Security” account. Create the account, familiarize yourself with the interface, learn how it works, and bookmark it on your internet-ready devices. The SSA has stated that the “my Social Security” online portal is the best, easiest, and most secure way for individuals to access their accounts, verify ID, and claim benefits.
If you cannot create and use a “my Social Security” account, then you need to prepare for the possibility that you have to travel to a Social Security field office to verify ID, make changes to your direct deposit, or apply for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits.
At Wealth Enhancement, we know major changes like this can be confusing and inconvenient. If you have questions or need assistance understanding your social security benefits, reach out to a financial advisor who can help you navigate the social security system.
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