The Social Security Administration (SSA) is boosting identity verification measures for two of its services in a bid to combat fraud and protect beneficiary records.
By March 31, the SSA “will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing” for filing benefit claims and requesting changes to direct deposit banking information, the agency said in a March 18 statement.
Individuals with an online My Social Security account can access those two services via their online account.
People without online accounts will be able to initiate their claim for benefits via phone. However, their identity has to be verified in person, which requires them to visit the local Social Security office with documentation….