US Social Security changes in April: New mandatory requirement for beneficiaries
Starting April, millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the U.S. will face a major change: in-person identity verification becomes mandatory for key transactions. Say goodbye to phone verification—this new rule aims to crack down on fraud but could bring new challenges. Find out who’s affected and how to avoid delays!
Starting April 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement a new requirement affecting millions of beneficiaries and applicants in the United States. This measure aims to reduce fraud in benefit payments, which currently causes annual losses exceeding $100 million for the agency. The SSA will no longer offer identity verification over the phone, leading to significant changes in certain procedures.
Social security update: In-person identity verification now required for new applicants and beneficiaries
With this change, new Social Security benefit applicants must visit a local SSA office in person to verify their identity. Similarly, current beneficiaries who need to update their direct deposit information and cannot complete the verification process online through "my Social Security" will also be required to verify their identity in person.
The decision to eliminate phone verification stems from the need to enhance security in authentication processes. According to SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, current knowledge-based methods have proven insufficient in preventing fraud. Therefore, in-person verification is considered a more effective measure to protect the integrity of benefits.
New social security rule: Who’s affected and how to prepare for in-person verification
This new policy will particularly affect three groups: new Social Security applicants, existing beneficiaries seeking to modify their banking information, and individuals unable to verify their identity online. The measure is expected to increase visits to local SSA offices by approximately 75,000 to 80,000 people, which could pose additional challenges for seniors and individuals with mobility issues.
To facilitate the process and avoid inconveniences, the SSA recommends that beneficiaries create and maintain an active account on the "my Social Security" portal. This platform allows users to access personalized information, receive notifications, and complete certain transactions online, reducing the need for in-person visits. However, for those unable to use this service, in-person verification will be mandatory starting from the specified date.