Key Points:

• Starting April 14, 2025, SSA will requirein-person identity proofingfor some benefit applicants unable to use their online account.

• Medicare, Disability, and SSI applicantswill remain exempt and can complete claims by phone.

• The SSA is also implementingnew fraud prevention toolsfor direct deposit changes and account verification.

Details

TheSocial Security Administration (SSA)is backing off some of the more far-reaching identity verification rules it announced earlier this month, saying that in-person visits will not be required for those applying forSocial Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

It had originally said that nearly everyone without an online accountwould have to visit a Social Security office to apply for benefits. Critics said that was cruel and unnecessary for the elderly, those with disabilities, and anyone living in a rural area where SS offices may be many miles from their home.

The updated rules, which take effectApril 14, 2025, will require certain applicants whocant use their personal my Social Security accountsto verify their identityin personwhen applying forRetirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits, with the exceptions noted above.

Those individual applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)will beexemptfrom this requirementand can stillcomplete their claims by phone, as SSA says there are already multiple identity checks built into those processes.

We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, saidLee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. Were updating our policy to provide better customer service to the countrys most vulnerable populations.

The earlier, tougher rules had touched off a firestorm of criticism from officeholders, the general public and advocacy organizations.

"By requiring seniors and disabled Americans to enroll online or in person at the same field offices they are trying to close, rather than over the phone, Trump and Musk are trying to create chaos and inefficiencies at SSA so they can privatize the system," said Rep. John B. Larson (D-CT) in a March 18news release.

Larson, ranking member of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, said the now-modified plan would have resulted in a 14% increase inoffice traffic, which current staffing could not have handled.

Exceptions for dire needs

SSA said the new in-person verification ruleswill not applyinextreme or urgent situations, such as terminal illness or the release of incarcerated individuals preparing for reentry. A new process is in development that will allow these exceptions with proper documentation and management approval.

Additional safeguards

As part of the broader security push, SSA will requirein-person visitsfor individuals requesting tochange their direct deposit informationunless they use the agencys secure online portal. Those unable to use the online service are encouraged tocall 1-800-772-1213to make an appointment.

SSA has also broughtall frontline staff back to in-office work five days a week, ensuring better support for the in-person identity checks.

To further strengthen fraud protection, SSA plans to implement theAccount Verification Service (AVS)from theDepartment of the Treasury, which allows forinstant bank account verificationand will help prevent fraud tied to payment updates.

The agency encourages anyone who hasnt created a my Social Security account to do so atwww.ssa.gov/myaccountto take advantage of secure online services.