The Social Security Administration plans to implement “stronger identity verification procedures” soon, requiring millions of people to visit agency field offices in person rather than submitting requests over the phone.
According to the agency, this updated policy, which was announced this week, will go into effect at the end of the month and affect both benefit claims and direct deposit changes.
The new safeguards will primarily affect people who do not have access to a “My Social Security” account, which requires online identity verification. The SSA stated that these recipients and applicants must visit a Social Security office in person with proof of identity.
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” said Lee Dudek, acting Commissioner of Social Security, in a press release on Tuesday.
“For far too long, the agency has relied on antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while speeding up service.”
The Social Security Administration will also begin processing direct deposit requests, both online and in person, within one business day, significantly speeding up the process. Previously, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.
New Social Security Administration policy to begin on March 31
Beginning March 31, the SSA will implement both online and in-person identity verification procedures. As part of the transition, SSA will educate employees and managers about the new safeguards and monitor compliance.
Individuals who are unable to use the online “My Social Security” services can initiate their benefit claim over the phone. However, claims cannot be finalized until their identities are confirmed in person. Those without online access should contact 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.
Social Security field offices in New York
To find the nearest SSA office and for office hours, visit the SSA field office locator at ssa.gov/locator/ .
- Albany County : Albany – 11 A Clinton Ave., Room 430, Federal Building
- Broome County : Binghamton – 2 Court St., Suite 300
- Cattaraugus County : Olean – 1618 W. State St.
- Chautauqua County : Dunkirk – 437 W. Main St., Suite 2, Jamestown – 321 Hazeltine Ave.
- Chemung County : Horseheads – 3345 S. Chambers Road, Suite 19
- Clinton County : Plattsburgh – 14 Durkee St., Suite 230
- Columbia County : Hudson – 747 Warren St.
- Dutchess County : Poughkeepsie – 332 Main St.
- Erie County : Buffalo – 478 Main St., Suite 200, West Seneca – 1900 Ridge Road, Suite 120
- Fulton County : Gloversville – 13 N. Arlington Ave.
- Genesee County : Batavia – 571 E. Main St.
- Jefferson County : Watertown – 156 Bellew Ave. South
- Monroe County : Rochester – 200 E. Main St. (second floor), Greece – 4050 W. Ridge Road (second floor)
- Niagara County : Niagara Falls – 6540 Niagara Falls Blvd.
- Oneida County : Utica – 10 Broad St., Federal Building
- Onondaga County : Syracuse – 100 S. Clinton St., Federal Building (fourth floor)
- Ontario County : Geneva – 15 Lewis St.
- Orange County : Newburgh – 3 Washington Center, Suite 301
- Oswego County : Oswego – 17 Fourth Ave.
- Otsego County : Oneonta – 31 Main St., Suite 1
- Rensselaer County : Troy – 500 Federal St., Suite 101
- Rockland County : West Nyack – 240 W. Nyack Road
- Schenectady County : Schenectady – 1 Broadway Center, 8th floor
- St. Lawrence County : Ogdensburg – 101 Ford St.
- Steuben County : Corning – 200 Nasser Civic Center
- Sullivan County : Monticello – 60 Jefferson St., Suite 4
- Tompkins County : Ithaca – 127 W. State St., second floor
- Warren County : Glens Falls – 67 Warren St., Suite 1
- Westchester County : Peekskill – 1 Park Place, third floor, White Plains – 297 Knollwood Road, Suite 4A, Yonkers – 20 S. Broadway, Suite 500, New Rochelle – 85 Harrison St.
