The Social Security Administration (SSA) is changing how you apply for new benefits and update your direct deposit information. After some pushback, the timeline for implementing the changes has been extended and some application services will be excluded from the online/in-person verification process and still available by phone. The changes have been delayed and won't take effect until April 14.
The changes are being made to implement stronger identity verification procedures to increase protections against fraudulent activity. Social Security beneficiaries will be able to use their online my Social Security accounts to make these changes as they already employ online identity proofing procedures.
People who cannot use a my Social Security account will need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person. If you go this route, be sure to confirm you local Social Security field office is still open before traveling to your local office; the SSA recently suspended in-person appointments at seven field offices.
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The SSA will be using the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s payment integrity service called Account Verification Service (AVS). The AVS provides instant bank verification services to prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests. This service is free and can be used to verify bank account information for a federal program.
Timeline for the coming changes
The SSA will transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both new benefit claims and direct deposit changes over coming weeks. The updated measures are meant to further defend Social Security data and benefits against fraudulent activity. “Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, in a SSA press release. The timeline for the change has been extended; Instead of March 31, the changes will now take effect on Monday, April 14.
Based on the updated timeline, the SSA will begin enforcing its new online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing for some new benefit applications and requests to update direct deposit information on April 14. It will also cut the waiting period to implement direct deposit change requests from the previous 30 days to one day.
Changes as to how you update your direct deposit information
First the good news: the SSA will be expediting all direct deposit change requests, those made in person and online, to one business day. This is a drastic reduction from the previous timeline; previously online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days before being implemented.
Social Security beneficiaries that don't have or want a my Social Security account must visit a local office to change their direct deposit information and can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.
Changes to applying for new benefits from Social Security
The SSA will continue to permit people who cannot or do not use an online my Social Security account to start their claim for benefits on the telephone. However, the claim must be completed in person in order to verify the person's identity. In its press release, the SSA recommended calling to request an in-person appointment to begin and complete the claim in one interaction.
Whether you walk-in or have an appointment, you will need to prove your identity before starting or completing your transaction.
One rollback the SSA announced will allow some beneficiaries to complete the application process over the phone. Now, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office.
The new verification rules will still apply to new applications for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits. The press release states that SSA "will not enforce these requirements in extreme dire-need situations, such as terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios."
Time to consider opening a my Social Security account
Opening a my Social Security account can help prevent fraud and identity theft as it means you are claiming your account. If criminals obtain your Social Security number, they may try to open a my Social Security account in your name and redirect your benefits to an account they control. By opening a my Social Security account now, you can help prevent this scenario, since an individual can only have one my Social Security account open per Social Security number.
The account will also give you more control and flexibly in managing your Social Security benefits and Medicare payments. You can not only apply for benefits and change your direct deposit information, you can also check the status of an application and print your 1099. You can complete a range of tasks from a comfortable chair at home or on the beach in Margaritaville.
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