New SSA Rule: Identity Verification Now Required Starting March 31, 2025
- Purple
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
What disability benefits recipients need to know about the latest SSA updates
Introduction: What’s Changing for SSA in 2025?
If you receive SSI, SSDI, retirement, or survivor benefits, there are two important updates from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that take effect on March 31, 2025:
✅ Stricter in-person identity verification requirements for certain applications and updates
✅ Faster processing of direct deposit changes—now in just 1 business day instead of 30
These changes aim to prevent fraud, protect your benefits, and make updates more efficient. But they also mean you may need to verify your identity in person for some SSA services.
What Are the New Identity Verification Rules?
Starting March 31, 2025, SSA will require more secure proof of identity in specific situations.
⚠️ In-Person Identity Verification Will Be Required If:
You’re applying for retirement, survivor, or spouse/child (auxiliary) benefits
You’re changing your direct deposit info but cannot access your my Social Security account online
You do not already have a verified SSA online account
In these cases, you’ll need to go to a local SSA office to verify your identity before the change or application is processed.
Who Is NOT Affected by the New Rules?
✅ You will not need to verify your identity in person if:
You are applying for SSI, SSDI, or Medicare
You already have a verified my Social Security account
You are updating your info through SSA.gov with an account
You are using the phone to complete routine updates that don’t involve bank info
💡 These exceptions are designed to support people who may have barriers to in-person appointments.
Direct Deposit Changes Will Now Process in 1 Business Day
One of the biggest wins for beneficiaries:
➡️ Direct deposit changes will no longer be held for 30 days. Instead, starting March 31, updates will go through in just one business day—whether made online or in person.
📌 This means if you’re switching to a new bank account or signing up with Purple, your Social Security check will arrive faster, with fewer delays.
Why SSA Is Making These Changes
SSA says these updates are designed to:
Prevent fraud and unauthorized access to benefits
Ensure the person requesting a change is actually the beneficiary
Speed up the process for routine banking changes like switching accounts
How to Get Ready for March 31, 2025
✅ 1. Set Up Your my Social Security Account
This is the easiest way to avoid going in person.Create yours at: ssa.gov/myaccount
✅ 2. Prepare Valid ID if You’ll Need to Visit SSA
Bring:
A government-issued photo ID (state ID, driver’s license, or passport)
Social Security card or official SSA letter
Any other documents SSA requests
✅ 3. Call SSA If You’re Unsure
SSA’s national line: 1-800-772-1213You can use this to ask questions or book an appointment if in-person verification is needed.
How Purple Helps You Stay on Track
💜 Direct Deposit That Works With SSA – Easily receive your SSI, SSDI, or retirement benefits
💜 Fast Transfers – Get paid up to 2 days early after switching
💜 Track Your Deposits by Source – Know exactly when and where each check came from
💜 Upload SSA Letters and Verification Docs – Keep everything in one secure place
💜 Ask Companion AI – “Do I need to go in person for this update?” or “Did my direct deposit switch go through?”
FAQs About the March 31 Identity Rules
⚠️ What happens if I don’t verify in person when required?
SSA may delay or deny your application or change until you complete identity proofing.
⚠️ Does this affect my monthly payments?
No—if nothing changes, your benefits will still arrive like normal.
⚠️ What if I use Purple or another new bank account?
Just update your direct deposit info through SSA.gov, and Purple will handle the rest. Starting March 31, that change will go through in 1 business day.
⚠️ Will I still need to go in person for SSI or SSDI?
No—SSA has confirmed that SSI, SSDI, and Medicare applications are exempt from the in-person requirement.
Conclusion: Know the Rules, Protect Your Benefits
✅ As of March 31, 2025, SSA is tightening identity verification rules
✅ Direct deposit changes now process in 1 business day
✅ Most SSI and SSDI recipients won’t be affected—but it’s still good to be prepared
✅ Use Purple to manage your benefits, track deposits, and stay compliant
💜 Switch your direct deposit to Purple today—get paid faster, stay protected, and stay in control.