The US Social Security Administration announced on Tuesday (March 18) that, in order to enhance the security of social security services, starting from the end of this month, the agency will require individuals applying for Social Security benefits and direct deposits to personally visit their local Social Security office to prove their identity.
In an article on its blog website, the Social Security Administration (SSA) stated that it will soon implement online digital identity verification and face-to-face identity verification. The agency will allow individuals who do not or cannot use their online Social Security services platform to apply for benefits by phone, but “the application cannot be completed until personal identity is verified in person”.
“Therefore, the agency recommends calling to make an appointment for in-person processing to start and complete the application in one interaction,” the blog wrote. “Regardless of appointment, individuals need to prove their identity before processing begins. Individuals who do not use or cannot use the agency’s online service ‘Social Security’ to update direct deposit information can go to their local office for the change, or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment for face-to-face processing.”
The blog also mentioned, “At the same time, the agency will expedite the processing of all direct deposit change requests, whether applied in person or online, will be completed within one business day. Prior to this change, online direct deposit change processing time was 30 days.”
These changes will take effect nationwide on March 31, impacting over 72.5 million Americans who rely on the “Social Security” service platform to receive retirement benefits and disability allowances through the Social Security Administration.
Regarding the implementation of these service changes, the SSA stated that the agency aims to strengthen the security of its services by implementing more robust identity verification processes. The updated measures will further protect Social Security records and benefits, preventing fraudulent activities.
The blog quoted Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Lee Dudek, as saying, “Americans’ Social Security records deserve the most comprehensive and vigilant protection. For too long, this agency has been using outdated methods to verify identities. ‘Social Security’ can better protect Americans while speeding up services.”
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The US Social Security Administration is taking steps to ensure the security of social security services for millions of Americans who rely on them for retirement benefits and disability allowances. By requiring in-person identity verification, the agency aims to prevent fraudulent activities and better protect individuals’ Social Security records.
This change, effective on March 31, will impact over 72.5 million Americans utilizing the Social Security service platform. The agency will expedite the processing of direct deposit change requests to enhance service efficiency while maintaining security standards.
The SSA emphasized the importance of implementing stronger identity verification measures to safeguard Social Security records and benefits. By modernizing their procedures, the agency intends to provide better protection for Americans while streamlining service delivery.