Starting April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out a major change that will affect how millions of Americans access their Social Security benefits. The new rule introduces stricter identity verification requirements, which could mean in-person verification at local SSA offices unless you take one simple step: create a ‘my Social Security’ account online.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why this change is happening, who it affects, and how you can easily create your online account to avoid delays. Whether you’re planning for retirement, checking your earnings, or changing your direct deposit info, this guide has everything you need.
New Social Security Identity Checks
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| New Rule Effective Date | April 14, 2025 |
| What’s Changing | Stricter identity checks; some users must verify in person without a ‘my Social Security’ account |
| Who’s Affected | Those applying for retirement, survivor, or spousal benefits, or changing direct deposit |
| Who’s Exempt | Medicare, SSDI, and SSI applicants |
| Time to Process Direct Deposit Changes | Reduced from 30 days to 1 business day |
| Where to Create an Account | SSA Official Website |
The new Social Security identity checks launching April 14, 2025, are a necessary step to protect millions of Americans from fraud and delayed benefits. But the solution is simple and powerful: Create your ‘my Social Security’ account today. Doing so not only ensures smoother access to your benefits but also protects your identity and gives you control over your financial future.
Why Is the SSA Introducing New Identity Checks?
The SSA handles more than 70 million payments a month, making it a prime target for identity theft and fraud. In response to increasing security threats, the SSA is now requiring stronger identity proofing for certain online services.
“We’re committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring benefits are paid to the right person,” says the SSA in their official blog. While this change may sound complicated, it’s actually designed to make your account more secure and your experience with SSA more efficient—especially when you use the online tools.
What You Can Do with a ‘my Social Security’ Account
Having a my Social Security account gives you access to a wide range of services—without stepping into a field office. Here’s what you can do from the comfort of your home:
Apply for Benefits:
- Retirement
- Spousal or survivor benefits
Manage Your Payments:
- Change or start direct deposit
- View and print payment history
Access Personal Info:
- Get your Social Security Statement
- Check your earnings record
- Estimate future benefits
Request Documents:
- Replace a lost Social Security card
- Get benefit verification letters
Creating this account can save you hours and keep your information safe—all while staying ahead of new rules.
see also: REAL ID Deadline Is Almost Here! What Every U.S. Traveler Needs to Know Before May 7
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up Your ‘my Social Security’ Account
Setting up your account takes only 10–15 minutes, and here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Visit the Official SSA Website
Go to the official website:
https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount
Step 2: Choose a Credential Provider
You’ll need to sign in using either:
- Login.gov
- ID.me
Both are secure and government-approved login services.
Tip: If you already use Login.gov for IRS or federal job applications, use the same login for SSA.
Step 3: Enter Your Personal Info
Fill in your:
- Name
- Social Security number
- Valid U.S. address
- Email and mobile number
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
This may include:
- Answering security questions
- Uploading a government ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
- Taking a live selfie (for ID.me users)
This is the key part of the process the SSA is strengthening.
Step 5: Enable Two-Factor Authentication
For added security, SSA will send a code via:
- Text message
- Authentication app
Always use this when signing in to keep your account safe.
Step 6: Start Using Your Account
Once verified, you can access everything from statements to payment updates and direct deposit changes.
What Happens If You Don’t Create an Account?
Starting April 14, 2025, if you:
- Apply for retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits, or
- Try to change your direct deposit
…and you don’t have a verified my Social Security account, you must visit a Social Security office in person to verify your identity.
But here’s the good news:
If you create your account now, you can skip the line later and do everything securely online.
Exemptions from the New Rule:
You don’t need in-person verification if you’re applying for:
- Medicare
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Real-Life Example: Why This Matters
Meet John, a 62-year-old planning to retire later this year. He assumed applying for benefits would be as easy as filling out a form online. But when he tried to apply on April 15, he was told to visit the SSA office to prove his identity. With a 3-week appointment wait, his benefits were delayed.
Now meet Sarah, also 62. She set up her my Social Security account back in February. On April 15, she applied for benefits in 10 minutes and got confirmation of her retirement date within a week.
More Security, Faster Payments
There’s another upside to this new rule: Faster direct deposit changes.
Until now, if you changed your bank account for Social Security payments, it could take up to 30 days. Starting April 14, SSA will process verified direct deposit changes within 1 business day if submitted through a my Social Security account.
Combatting Fraud and Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing concern. In 2023 alone, the Federal Trade Commission received over 1.1 million identity theft complaints (FTC.gov). Government benefits were among the most targeted.
Creating a my Social Security account early helps lock down your info and gives you control. Just by creating your account, you prevent someone else from doing it in your name.
New Social Security Identity Checks FAQs
Q1: Do I have to pay to create a my Social Security account?
No. Creating and using your account is completely free.
Q2: What if I forgot my login or password?
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. If needed, you can contact SSA for help.
Q3: Can I create an account for someone else?
Only if you’re an appointed representative with legal authority. Otherwise, individuals must set up their own accounts.
Q4: What if I don’t have a smartphone or internet?
You can visit your local SSA office to set up your account with assistance, but it’s best to do it online if you can.
Q5: Is Login.gov better than ID.me?
Both are secure. Login.gov has a simpler interface; ID.me may ask for a selfie and ID upload.
