Social Security Unveils Major Safety Update to Boost Identity Checks

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that it is "implementing stronger identity verification procedures" to prevent fraud after a leaked memo earlier this week detailed the plans.

Newsweek has contacted the SSA for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The SSA distributes billions of dollars in benefits every month to almost 70 million recipients, and it is a vital source of income for Americans across the country. However, recent changes at the federal agency, including staffing cuts and office closures, have caused concerns that customer services and benefits may be affected.

What To Know

Beginning on March 31, benefit claimants will no longer be able to verify their identity with the SSA over the phone. Those who cannot properly verify their identity using the agency's online service will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process.

"Over the next two weeks, SSA will carefully transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes," the agency said in a press release issued on March 18. "Individuals seeking these services who cannot use their personal 'my Social Security' account, which requires online identity proofing, will then need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person."

The change is set to apply to new Social Security applicants and existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information. The agency also announced plans to speed up processing for recipients' direct deposit change requests—both online and in person—to one business day. Previously, online direct deposit changes required a 30-day holding period.

While new benefit claims can be started using the SSA's phone service, those who cannot use online services will need to visit a field office.

Leaked Memo

Earlier this week, the Substack Popular Information published a leaked memo that detailed the plans and potential negative effects it could have on Social Security claimants who may struggle with reaching an SSA office.

The changes come at a time when some Social Security offices are being closed as part of cost-saving measures implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The agency has also confirmed plans to terminate 7,000 jobs.

The memo outlined that there could be longer wait and processing times due to an estimated additional 75,000 to 85,000 people needing to visit field offices every week to have their information checked and processed if they cannot do it online.

However, the SSA said in its statement that all frontline staff had been brought back into the office five days a week, which would ensure "maximum staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement."

According to Axios, in an earlier version of the memo—obtained by the outlet but not seen by Newsweek—Doris Diaz, the acting deputy commissioner of operations, said, "The consequence of reduced service channels could be significant."

"For example, an individual who closes a bank account could have benefits suspended if unable to access in-person service," she continued, adding that "an individual plainly entitled to benefits" could be "prevented from applying."

What People Are Saying

Lee Dudek, the acting commissioner of the SSA, said in the news release: "Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance. For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service."

Dudek said in a call with reporters on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press: "The Social Security Administration is losing over $100 million a year in direct deposit fraud. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service."

Representative John B. Larson, a Democrat from Connecticut, said in a statement on Monday: "Their memo confirms they are out to gut Social Security to pay for $2 trillion in new tax breaks for the wealthiest one percent. 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."

Max Richtman, the president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, told Newsweek in a statement on Tuesday: "These latest developments are part of a clear pattern: Elon Musk, DOGE, and their acolytes at SSA are engaged in an intentional campaign to make it harder for Americans to collect their hard-earned Social Security benefits.

"Intentionally constructing obstacles for the people who've earned these benefits (and who pay for SSA operations with every paycheck) betrays at the least an indifference—and more likely, an outright hostility—to the elderly, people with disabilities, their families and survivors who rely on Social Security."

What Happens Next

The agency has begun a two-week transition period to help train employees and monitor policy compliance before March 31.