Social Security to start in-person identity proofing for some beneficiaries

The Social Security Administration rolled out plans to strengthen identification safeguards and revise the verification process for beneficiaries, according to a Tuesday statement. By the end of March, Social Security beneficiaries making benefits claims must prove their identities, either through an online portal or in person, the administration said. Beneficiaries who wish to change their direct deposit information will face the same verification requirements, the statement added.

The agency said it planned to expedite processing requests for direct deposit changes in order to complete them in one day, rather than subject them to the current 30-day holding period, the release added. Acting Commissioner of Social Security Lee Dudek described the administration’s current identity requirements as antiquated. The new protocols will better protect American Social Security while also allowing for quicker service, Dudek said.

Is this really necessary? The Trump administration reported what it characterized as serious fraud within the Social Security Administration after an internal audit. Multitudes of active Social Security members are listed as over 100 years old, with one reported as 360 years old, Trump said while addressing a joint session of Congress earlier this month. A 2024 report from the Office of Inspector General found that Social Security issued nearly $72 billion in improper payments over seven years, from 2015 through 2022. The report said the errors stemmed from beneficiaries self-reporting incorrect information and poor controls over the Social Security Administration’s processes.

What about people who are bedridden or unable to travel? Beneficiaries who can’t use the online portal may initiate the claims process over the phone, but the claim will not be complete until the individual’s identity is confirmed in person, according to the policy. Officials did not say whether administrators will make house calls to confirm the identities of beneficiaries unable to travel.

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Russell’s report on the administration’s previous acting commissioner stepping down after clashing with the Department of Government Efficiency.