Social Security Policy Change Effective April 14: What Retirees Need to Know About the End of Phone Verification
Starting April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will make a major change that could affect millions of beneficiaries across the United States. From this date forward, you can no longer verify your identity over the phone for certain transactions—especially when changing bank account details for direct deposit.
This is a key update aimed at preventing fraud, but it also raises concerns for older adults and those with limited access to technology.
Whether you receive retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits, this new rule may impact how you manage your payments and personal information. Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
What’s Changing on April 14, 2025?
Until now, you could call the SSA and make changes to your banking or personal information after answering some identity questions. Starting April 14, this option will be completely removed for most beneficiaries.
From that date on, you will have only two ways to make these types of changes:
- Through your My Social Security online account
- By visiting a Social Security office in person
This move is part of SSA’s efforts to improve security and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, especially for direct deposit changes. However, critics argue that it creates barriers for the elderly and people with disabilities who may struggle with online systems or reaching an office.
Who Is Affected by This Change?
The new policy affects people receiving:
If you belong to one of these groups, phone-based identity verification will no longer be accepted. You must use the online system or go to an SSA office for updates or changes.
Who Is Exempt From the Change?
The following groups are not affected and can still use phone verification:
- Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- People enrolled in Medicare
- Inmate pre-release cases
- Individuals in terminal or urgent need situations
So, if you fall into one of these exempt categories, you can still manage certain changes by phone as before.
Don’t Want to Visit an Office? Use My Social Security
The My Social Security account is the easiest way to manage your benefits securely online. It’s free, encrypted for privacy, and accessible 24/7. With it, you can:
- Change direct deposit info
- View your payment history and upcoming dates
- Request a new Social Security card
- Update your contact information
- Download official benefit letters
- Set up alerts for changes and notices
How to Create a My Social Security Account
Here’s how to register quickly:
- Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
- Click “Create an Account”
- You can sign up with:
– Personal info and identity questions, or
– An ID.me or Login.gov account (more secure) - Choose a username and password
- Set up two-factor authentication (highly recommended)
Anyone with a Social Security Number and a valid email address can open an account. If you don’t have a smartphone or internet access, SSA offices can help you set it up in person.
Why Is the SSA Making This Change?
According to SSA officials, the change is part of a strategy to improve payment security and reduce the growing number of fraud cases targeting beneficiaries. It’s not related to any federal restructuring or political figures, despite some rumors online.
The SSA wants to ensure that only the person entitled to the benefit is able to make changes to their payment or personal details. But this security push comes at a cost—increased difficulty for the elderly and vulnerable populations, who may not be tech-savvy or have access to digital tools.
Concerns from Advocates and the Public
Many senior advocacy groups have spoken out against the policy, saying that it places a burden on people who already face challenges in using technology. For older adults, even using an ATM can be stressful—so expecting them to navigate an online portal or visit an SSA office can be overwhelming.
The president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare criticized the decision, saying it reflects a lack of empathy for people who have paid into the system for years.
SSA Response
SSA spokesperson Lee Dudek defended the move, stating that it is a necessary step to protect taxpayer dollars and prevent scams. Dudek emphasized that options are still available, including in-person service and online access. He also confirmed that the policy does not affect SSI, SSDI, or Medicare recipients.
If you receive retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits, it’s important to prepare for this change before April 14, 2025. The SSA will no longer accept phone identity verification, so now is the time to set up your My Social Security account or get familiar with your nearest SSA office.
While the goal of this change is to reduce fraud, it may also create new hurdles for people who are not comfortable with technology. If you or someone you care for could be affected, now is the time to get help setting up digital access or exploring in-person options.
