A new warning from the Social Security Administration (SSA) has millions of beneficiaries on high alert. Beginning in 2025, skipping one essential digital verification step could result in delayed or missing Social Security payments.
This measure is part of the SSA’s new efforts to enhance identity protection, but many are unaware of the changes that could impact their monthly benefits.
If you’re receiving retirement, survivor, or spousal benefits, or planning to update your direct deposit information, this update could directly affect you.
What’s Changing?
To combat identity theft and prevent fraud, the SSA is tightening its verification processes. Certain Social Security services will no longer accept phone-based identity verifications.
Instead, users must complete verification through the online portal or attend in-person appointments at a Social Security office.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what remains the same:
New Verification Requirements
| Service Type | Previous Method | New Requirement (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefit Applications | Phone, Online, In-Person | Online or In-Person Only |
| Survivor & Spouse Benefits | Phone, Online, In-Person | Online or In-Person Only |
| Direct Deposit Changes | Phone or Online | Online via SSA Account or In-Person Only |
| SSDI, SSI, Medicare Applications | Phone, Online, In-Person | No Change – Phone Still Accepted |
Note: These new steps affect both new applicants and existing beneficiaries seeking to make changes.
Why This Change Matters
The SSA processes millions of benefit payments each month. Unfortunately, fraud has also been on the rise—particularly with unauthorized changes to direct deposit information, resulting in beneficiaries losing access to their funds.
The SSA’s new verification rules are designed to ensure that payments are sent to the correct recipient and bank account.
By shifting to stronger digital identity proofing, the SSA aims to minimize risks while streamlining access to services. But beneficiaries who don’t complete this step may miss out on their scheduled payments if they attempt to update their information without proper authentication.
How to Stay Compliant and Protect Your Benefits
To avoid payment delays or disruptions, beneficiaries are urged to take the following steps:
1. Create or Update Your mySSA Account
If you don’t already have an account, visit the official SSA website and create a my Social Security account. This secure online platform allows you to:
- View your benefits
- Update direct deposit info
- Request documents
- Complete verification steps
2. Keep Your Contact and Bank Info Updated
Make sure your email, phone number, and banking details are current. Any changes to this information must now be verified digitally or in-person.
3. Schedule an Appointment if Needed
For those without reliable internet access, you can contact your local Social Security office and request an in-person appointment to complete the identity verification process manually.
Who’s Most Affected?
These changes are likely to impact:
- Seniors who don’t regularly use digital tools
- Beneficiaries living in rural areas with limited internet access
- Individuals attempting to change direct deposit settings
- Spouses and survivors applying for benefits for the first time
While efforts are underway to offer more accessible verification options, such as community-based support centers and mobile verification kiosks, it’s crucial for affected individuals to act quickly to prevent service interruptions.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
If you fail to complete the new identity verification step:
- Your direct deposit changes won’t be processed
- Your new benefit application may be denied or delayed
- Your benefit payments could be suspended temporarily
These outcomes can have a serious financial impact, especially for those who rely heavily on timely monthly benefits.
The SSA’s updated digital verification process is a vital step toward improving security and preventing benefit fraud. But it also places a new responsibility on beneficiaries to take action.
If you’re planning to apply for Social Security benefits or update your banking information in 2025, be sure to complete the required online verification or schedule an in-person visit to ensure that your benefits continue without interruption.
Don’t let a skipped step cost you your Social Security check—get ahead of the changes now and secure your benefits.
FAQs
Do these changes affect everyone receiving Social Security?
Not everyone. The new rules mainly apply to those applying for retirement, survivor, or auxiliary benefits or updating direct deposit info.
Can I still apply for SSDI or SSI by phone?
Yes. Applications for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI remain eligible for phone-based processing at this time.
What if I can’t access the internet to complete the digital process?
You can call your local SSA office to schedule an in-person identity verification appointment.