Rights and Benefits
Social Security Updates By Jack Burns, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Arizona Social Security Administration Implements News Requirement For Direct Deposit Changes Social Security is strengthening the process to prove identity related to direct deposit information. This applies to individuals who need to change their direct deposit information on our records. The easiest and most secure way is online with a personal my Social Security account. You can create an your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ If someone cannot access their my Social Security account, then they will need to come into a Social Security office to prove their identity. People will continue to receive their benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. Bad actors use other people’s personal information, often found on the dark web, to steal people’s money and identity. That information allows bad actors to get past antiquated knowledge-based questions. Social Security’s identity verification procedures prevent bad actors from stealing current and future benefits.
Social Security Will Require In-person Identity Proofing in Certain Situations You don’t need to contact Social Security if you don’t receive benefits. If you are not applying for benefits or changing direct deposit information for current benefits, there is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity. People will continue to receive their benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity. If changing direct deposit information for existing benefits, the most convenient and secure way to prove identity is with Social Security’s online services using a personal my Social Security account.
If unable to use Social Security’s online services, or generate a one-time code on ssa.gov/PIN a person: • Changing direct deposit information for any type of benefit must prove their identity in a Social Security office. • Receiving payment by paper check must visit a Social Security office before changing their mailing address. • Filing for certain types of benefits by telephone must prove their identity in a Social Security office. You don’t need to visit Social Security: • To prove your identity if you use a personal my Social Security account to change direct deposit information. • If you are applying for benefits online or over the phone (unless your claim is flagged as a possible fraud risk).
Page 12 | July & August 2025, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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