Correction: According to the Social Security website, if you aren’t applying for benefits or changing out direct deposit information, you don’t need to contact Social Security to verify your identity. We regret the error.
Some retirees are going to have to take a few extra steps to keep their benefits.
Starting in April, some Social Security recipients will have to go through an identity verification process to continue receiving payments.
Here’s what you need to know.
When does Social Security identity verification start?
Starting this month, some Social Security recipients can no longer verify their identity online.
As part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s move to cut back on government spending in the Social Security Administration, new Social Security applicants and those making changes must verify their identity in person, no matter how long ago they started receiving benefits.
What will happen to those who do not verify their identity in person?
If these people who are receiving benefits do not comply with this verification process, they risk their monthly payments being suspended or permanently terminated.
Who will the changes to identity verification affect?
The changes will mostly affect senior citizens, especially those who live in areas far away from a Social Security office.
Will all Social Security recipients need to prove their identity?
According to the Social Security website, if you aren’t applying for benefits or changing out direct deposit information, you don’t need to contact Social Security to verify your identity.
Here is a breakdown of the changes to the Social Security Administration’s identity verification process:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | April 2025 |
| Who’s Affected? | Everyone applying for Social Security after April, and those making changes |
| What’s No Longer Allowed | Online verification through the Social Security website |
| What’s Changing | Some Social Security recipients can only verify their identity in person |
| What will happen? | Termination or suspension of benefits if not verified |
| Who Will It Affect? | Senior citizens, especially in areas not close to a Social Security office |
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