In the United States, the Social Security Administration recently made it easier to prove your identity when you use direct deposit information.
The goal of this measure is to make it safer for people who are applying for benefits for the first time or who need to update the official records with a new bank account number.
Receiving current payments will not be affected by this change, and beneficiaries do not need to do anything extra if they do not plan to change anything.
People who already get a monthly check will keep getting the money in the same bank account, so they will not have to prove who they are or get in touch with the agency again.
There will only be two times when extra verification is needed: the first time you submit direct deposit information to get certain financial benefits, or the first time you ask to change your registered bank information. For both, a personal account at my Social Security is the fastest and safest way to do this.
When is it necessary to verify identity with Social Security?
This process does not have to be done by all beneficiaries. The extra safety measure is only needed in these situations:
- When a person applies for cash benefits for the first time and needs to provide their direct deposit information.
- When a beneficiary who is already getting monthly payments decides to change the bank account registered in the Social Security files.
Identity verification will have to be done in these situations. However, you do not have to call or go to the offices in person if the process can be done online.
The best alternative is to go to the official website and make the changes from your own “my Social Security” account, which is open to all citizens who are eligible.
It is important to stress that the person does not have to do anything if they do not want to change. Payments will keep going to the linked account as usual, without any delays or problems, and you will not have to prove your identity again.
How to keep direct deposit details secure
Even though there are times when the verification process is stricter, the Social Security Administration still encourages people to use digital platforms to make managing benefits easier. This is what you should do to keep your data safe and avoid fraud or delays in collection:
- Create a secure account on my Social Security as soon as possible, even if you do not need to make any immediate changes.
- Avoid sharing personal or bank details by phone or email, unless it is through official channels.
- Keep bank information up to date, especially if you change banks or account numbers.
This method gives people more control over their personal information, lowers the risk of fraud, and speeds up requests for direct deposit of Social Security payments. People will keep getting their money in the same account on the same date as before as long as nothing changes.