Several weeks ago, on the morning news I was watching, a policy change at the Social Security Administration was mentioned, saying that retirees who wanted to make changes to their social security account would have to physically go into a social security office. It was pointed out that this may be a burden for elderly people living in rural areas if there wasn’t a local social security office nearby. That was pretty much what was said before moving on to the next story.

   Several days later I ran across an interview of Elon Musk and a few members of DOGE, and they were asked about social security. They mentioned that social security was receiving many phone calls from people wanting to change their direct deposit banking information, and that they believed that most of these calls were fraudsters trying to steal retiree’s benefits. For example, if someone got my social security number, maybe off the dark web, and they called a social security office, pretending to be me, and asked to change my bank and account number, and if the person that answered the call believed them, and then changed my bank info to the caller’s, that person would have successfully stolen my benefits. 

   As a side note, a recent 60 Minutes episode about fraud in the government mentioned that almost every American’s personal information is available and for sale on the dark web.

   So, I decided to look online to see what changes the Social Security Administration has made, and this is what I found from SSA’s web site: 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025.

Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information for any benefit will need to visit a Social Security office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.

The agency will continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure it pays the right person the right amount at the right time while safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers. SSA plans to implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service’s payment integrity service called Account Verification Service (AVS). AVS provides instant bank verification services to proactively and timely prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests. SSA will continue to fight fraud while balancing its program integrity responsibilities with delivering on its customer service mission to the American people.

People who do not already have a my Social Security account can create one.

   I found this info from Consumer Affairs’ web site: 

    Stricter standards

Finally, SSA plans to implement stricter recipient identity standards to prevent fraud. If recipients need to make changes, like a physical address or a bank account for direct deposit, they can still do so using their online My Social Security account. The change will become effective in one business day rather than in 30 days, as it did in the past.

However, for recipients who do not have a My Social Security account, they must appear in person at a Social Security office and show a government-issued ID. That change takes effect April 14.

   There is a social security office in Yreka for those who don’t have a ‘my Social Security’ account if you need to make changes.

Physical Address:
1960 S. OREGON STREET
YREKA, CA 96097
Phone: 1-888-366-6145

   I hope this information is helpful and eliminates any confusion about these changes in SSA policy. 

Link to DOGE interview:

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