On April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement significant changes that could affect millions of beneficiaries. If you rely on Social Security for your retirement or disability benefits, it’s crucial to understand how these new rules will impact you. Starting on this date, phone-based identity verification will no longer be an option for making updates to your account.
This means you will need to either use the SSA’s online portal or visit a local SSA office in person for any changes or transactions. While this change aims to improve security, it could create challenges for some individuals, especially older adults or those with limited mobility.
What Exactly Is Changing?
Until now, Social Security beneficiaries could update their banking information or make other changes by simply calling the SSA. However, to increase security and prevent fraud, the SSA has decided to end phone-based identity verification. Going forward, there will only be two ways to make these changes:
- Through the My Social Security portal: You’ll need to create and log into a personal account on the SSA website.
- In person at an SSA office: You can visit a local SSA office for help with any necessary updates.
This new policy ensures a more secure process for handling sensitive information, but it also removes the convenience of phone-based transactions.
Who Is Exempt from the Changes?
Not all beneficiaries will be affected by these changes. The new policy will not apply to individuals who receive:
However, if you receive spousal, retirement, or survivor benefits, you will need to follow the new procedure and use the My Social Security account or visit an office in person.
Additionally, this policy will not apply to cases involving inmate pre-releases or those in terminal or extreme need situations. These exceptions aim to ensure that the most vulnerable can still access their benefits without additional obstacles.
What If I Don’t Want Human Interaction?
If you prefer not to visit a Social Security office in person, you can still handle most updates online using the My Social Security account. This free app allows you to manage your Social Security information securely without having to leave your home. The app ensures that your data is encrypted and protected, and it’s available to all Social Security recipients, even if you don’t have a bank account.
How Does the My Social Security App Work?
The My Social Security account lets you perform a wide range of tasks that you would typically do at a Social Security office. Some of the key features include:
- Check your earnings history
- Update your personal information
- Review payment schedules
- Request a new Social Security card
- Download documents
- Set up email or SMS alerts to stay informed about any activity or changes on your account
How to Set Up a My Social Security Account
Setting up an account is easy. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
- Click on “Create an Account”
- You can register using either:
- Your personal information and verification questions
- An ID.me or Login.gov account (for faster and more secure registration)
- Choose a username and password
- Enable two-step verification for added security
Although setting up the account is not yet mandatory, the SSA highly recommends it to ensure your payments are secure and up-to-date.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The SSA’s goal with these changes is to reduce fraud and ensure that only the rightful person is receiving Social Security benefits. The agency’s decision to move away from phone verification is part of a broader strategy to enhance security, especially as Social Security benefits are critical for millions of Americans. By requiring people to either use the online portal or visit an SSA office in person, the SSA aims to make the verification process more secure.
What Do People Think About These Changes?
While the SSA defends this change as a necessary step to combat fraud, there has been considerable pushback from advocacy groups and others who feel that the new policy will disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, especially older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare argued that this change creates unnecessary barriers for those who have earned their benefits, particularly seniors who may not be comfortable using technology.
Many people find it difficult to navigate online portals, and for some, even using an ATM is a challenge. This technological shift may exclude those who are not comfortable with digital platforms, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to managing their benefits.
The April 14, 2025 changes to Social Security’s identity verification process aim to enhance security but could create challenges for certain groups, particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities. If you are affected, be sure to set up your My Social Security account for easier access to your benefits.
While the new rules won’t affect those receiving SSI, SSDI, or Medicare, many others will need to adapt to these changes. It’s crucial to stay informed about the new procedures to avoid delays in receiving your payments.
