Webpage updated March 26, 2025
Social Security is strengthening the process to prove identity related to direct deposit information. This applies to individuals who need to provide initial direct deposit information when applying for certain cash benefits and to someone already receiving benefits if they choose to later change their direct deposit information on our records. The easiest and most secure way is online with a personal my Social Security account. The public does not need to contact Social Security unless they need to change direct deposit information and cannot do it online. People will continue to receive their benefits and 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 makes it too easy for bad actors to get past antiquated knowledge-based questions. Using Social Security’s online services to prove identity or, if needed, in person, prevents bad actors from stealing current and future benefits.
No. There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if not applying for benefits and if not changing direct deposit information for current benefits. People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity.
If applying for benefits or changing direct deposit information for existing benefits, the secure and most convenient 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, a person
- applying for Medicare or Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income does not need to visit a Social Security office to prove their identity. They can prove their identity by telephone.
- applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits must visit a Social Security office to prove their identity.
- 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.
It depends. You don’t need to visit Social Security:
- to prove your identity if you use a personal my Social Security account to apply for cash benefits or to change direct deposit information.
- if you are applying for Medicare or Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
- to continue receiving benefits to the bank account information in Social Security’s records.
- if you do not receive benefits.
You do need to visit a Social Security office:
- if you start an application by telephone for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits.
- if you use a paper application.
No. You don’t need to contact Social Security if you don’t receive benefits.
No. You do not need to contact Social Security to continue your monthly benefits at your current bank. If you need to change your direct deposit information in the future, you can change that information online with a personal my Social Security account or automatic enrollment service through your bank.
There are rules regarding the evidence needed for an application for a child, but a child aged 0-17 is not required to appear in-person. Please see the next question for a list of accepted documentation.
SSA’s priority list of documentation for children is available here: Priority List of Acceptable Evidence of Identity Documents.
Parents/guardians of children also must prove their identity. Acceptable documentation of identity for adult parents/guardians is also available here: Priority List of Acceptable Evidence of Identity Documents.
We may also ask parents/guardians for proof of relationship for certain transactions. Acceptable documentation of relationship is listed here: Proper Applicant is a Parent with Custody of a Child under Age 18.
Yes. If you cannot apply for benefits with a personal my Social Security account, you can begin an application for benefits by telephone. However, if applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits, you will need to visit a Social Security office to prove your identity in person and review the application before Social Security can process it. The most convenient way to apply is online, but if you cannot we recommend scheduling an in-person appointment so you can start and finish the application at the same time of proving your identity.
Once you have created a personal my Social Security account, you don’t need to prove your identity online again to continue using Social Security’s convenient online services.
If you need to prove your identity in an office for a reason explained on this webpage, and if you need to visit an office again for assistance when proof of identity is required, you will need to prove your identity at that next visit.
Yes. You can create a personal my Social Security account to prove your identity one time and continue to use Social Security’s online services without proving your identity in person.
You also don’t need to visit an office to prove your identity if you are applying by telephone for Medicare or Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
Organizations filing claims under existing Memorandums of Understanding with Social Security may continue to use these methods.
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income applications are exempt because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.
It depends. If someone is sitting with you while you are using your personal my Social Security account, then there is no need to visit an office. In this case, you will have submitted an application with your own account even though someone is helping you.
If someone is submitting an application for you another way, for example on paper, by telephone, or online but without a verified account for you, you will need to visit a Social Security office to prove your identity before Social Security can process the application.
Our office locator service is available online at Social Security Office Locator. Customers who cannot use our website may call 1-800-772-1213 and we will assist you with finding a local office.
No. Social Security will never contact you by a text message to provide or confirm information about your identity. Ignore a text message like this if you receive one.