The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to implement a significant update to its identity verification procedures starting Monday, April 14, 2025.
This change introduces new anti-fraud measures for claims filed over the phone, aiming to enhance security while maintaining accessibility for millions of beneficiaries. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
What’s Changing?
Beginning April 14, all Social Security claim types—including retirement, disability, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—can be completed over the phone.
This marks a reversal of an earlier policy that required in-person visits for beneficiaries unable to verify their identities online. The SSA has now introduced advanced fraud detection technology that will flag suspicious claims for further review.
Under the updated system:
- Claims flagged for potential fraud will require in-person identity verification at a local SSA office.
- Claims without irregularities will proceed without the need for in-person visits, streamlining the process for most beneficiaries.
The SSA processes approximately 4.5 million telephone claims annually, with an estimated 70,000 expected to be flagged each year for additional scrutiny.
Why the Change?
The updated policy addresses concerns about fraud within the Social Security system while responding to public backlash over accessibility issues.
Previously, the SSA planned to mandate in-person verification for many claimants, a move criticized for creating undue hardship—particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those in rural areas with limited access to SSA offices.
The new anti-fraud measures leverage technology to analyze patterns and anomalies in telephone claims. According to Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, “We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility.
These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”
Who Is Affected?
The majority of Social Security beneficiaries will not need to take any action under the new rules unless they are:
- Filing a new claim over the phone.
- Updating direct deposit information or making other account changes.
Those whose claims are flagged by the fraud detection system will be required to visit an SSA office for identity proofing. However, individuals already receiving benefits without changes to their accounts will not experience disruptions.
Notably, applications for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and SSI are exempt from in-person identity verification due to multiple existing safeguards in their decision-making processes.
Balancing Security and Accessibility
The SSA’s updated approach seeks to balance fraud prevention with ease of access. By allowing most claims to be processed via telephone and only requiring in-person visits when necessary, the agency aims to reduce barriers for vulnerable populations while safeguarding taxpayer funds.
However, critics warn that flagged cases could strain local SSA offices already grappling with staffing shortages and office closures. Advocacy groups have urged the agency to ensure sufficient resources are available to handle the increased demand for in-person services.