New Social Security Rule Takes Effect March 31. Here’s What You Need to Do.

Starting March 31, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer allow identity verification over the phone. This change is meant to reduce fraud—but it could also cause major headaches for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits.

In this article, we’ll review what the change is, why it’s happening, who it affects and what you can do now to be prepared.

What’s Changing—and Why It Matters

According to a recent Social Security press release, the Administration is no longer going to offer identity verification over the phone. From now on, if you need to verify your identity to update your direct deposit information or access certain services, you’ll have only two options:

1. Verify your identity online through the my Social Security portal using Login.gov or ID.me.
2. Visit a Social Security field office in person.

Phone verification will no longer be available, so even if you call in to speak to someone you will be directed to one of those two options.

This change is especially difficult for people who:

• Don’t have reliable internet access
• Aren’t comfortable with technology
• Live in rural areas (especially where field offices are closing)

Why Is Social Security Making This Change?

According to Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek, over $100 million per year is lost due to direct deposit fraud. Scammers have been able to change bank account info by answering phone security questions using publicly available data—like your past addresses or your mother’s maiden name.

Eliminating phone verification is meant to prevent fraud by tightening security and requiring online or in-person identity checks instead.

Potential Problems for Beneficiaries

Unfortunately, many people who rely on Social Security may find this new system hard to navigate. Online identity verification can be challenging—especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and families without access to good internet or tech.

To make matters worse:

• SSA has already closed 47 rural field offices, making in-person help harder to find.
• Appointments are hard to get—the average wait time is over a month.
• Children can’t create online accounts, meaning their families must go to a field office for any updates.

Even though direct deposit changes will now process faster (within one business day), that only applies if you can verify your identity online. Everyone else may still face long delays.

What You Should Do Right Now

To avoid complications, here’s how to prepare before March 31:

• Create your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You’ll need to verify your identity through Login.gov or ID.me.
• Update any direct deposit information now, while phone support is still available.
• Stay informed. Keep an eye on updates from Social Security and from Low Income Relief so you don’t miss critical changes.

If you’re concerned about your personal data being exposed online, we recommend using DeleteMe. This service removes your information from data broker sites and can reduce scam calls and identity theft risks. We use it ourselves and trust it to protect our family.

Bottom Line

This new rule is meant to reduce fraud—but it could make things a lot harder for honest people who just need to access their benefits. If you’re not set up for online verification, act now to avoid delays. We’ll keep sharing updates and helpful tips to get you through it.