If completing Social Security retirement benefit online has been on your mind this year, you might have to go in a different direction now. A new regulation is being introduced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) which is changing the way retirement applications are processed in 2025, and it can take some of the Americans by surprise.
April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration not only revealed the update of the identity verification requirement but also confirmed that it is for those who are applying for certain types of Social Security benefits only. Per the information from the agency, some applicants must now, in person, confirm their identities at the local office of the SSA, even if it was the moment when they started the process over the phone.
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Anti-identity theft at the expense of longer wait times and the need for extra steps which may be a bit too much for those who were relying on the phone to get their benefits in previous years is one of the undesirable consequences of the change.
Take a look at the SSA’s news releases to learn more about this change directly from their press releases.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Up to the year 2021, people in the US still had the option of calling the SSA, talking to an agent and accomplishing almost the developments by phone that had to do with retirement. But as phone is highly likely to be used for the purpose of deceiving, social engineering, identity theft, and other fraudulent activities, the agency has added a new section for phone applicants.
According to the information provided by SSA, the following benefit types that are applied by individuals might now require a visit to the local Social Security office for the personal identification of the applicant:
- The earners of income from services, self-employed and workers getting compensated for sickness. However, the farm owners whose contribution is the maximum woulRetirement benefits
- Survivors benefits
- Spouse or child auxiliary benefits
The new regulation will not affect each and every case. It has been claimed by the SSA that only several applications demand facial identity verification. The people who fall under the scope of such determinations will be notified when the calling process takes place and will have to go the field office to finish the application.
Is Phone Application Available?
Yes, but with limitations.
You can still do the first part of your Social Security application over the phone by dialing 1-800-772-1213. A representative will instruct you, step by step, on the initial requirements. Nonetheless, if your application entails in-person identity verification, the representative will let you know and assist in booking a day for you to go to the nearest SSA office.
Majority of the Americans will now have to go through a two-step process if they want to apply for Social Security in 2025:
- A phone call to initiate the application
- A planned office visit to do confirmatory steps
Who Is Not Affected by This Change?
As per guidelines received from the SSA, the following procedures are not covered by the said regulation:
- Medicare applications
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Those who are seeking these benefits can still achieve their goals of the claim through a phone or internet service and also they do not need to go to a local office.
The Fastest Way to Apply in 2025
In case you want fast processing and no need to visit the office, the SSA encourages that you apply online using my Social Security. This platform secures the process of:
- Apply for retirement benefits
- Check your application status
- Confirm your income and employment history
- Receive award letters and benefit statements
Online applications are now the standard way of doing things and they do not require in-person verification for the vast majority of the population. One can easily use their computer or a mobile device to complete the application.
The online application center of SSA can be accessed when you are ready to begin.
What Caused the Change?
SSA representatives stipulate that the policy change was made of a need to cut down the number of application fraud cases and that the money is given only to those who have rights to it. The federal government and benefit programs have been targets of an increased number of identity thefts over the last few years. This dire situation forced the federal agencies to reassess their verification procedures
In spite of the troubles which this process could raise for some clients, the administration confirmed that Social Security is in so much need of this measure as it guarantees security of current and future beneficiaries.
Concluding Remarks
If applying for social security retirement is among the things on your to-do list, don’t slug around until the very last day. The new rule may force you to physically visit the office, and with the huge number of applications that are being made this season, the appointment slots may get taken up rather quickly.
As much as possible, the SSA recommends using the online portal so as to prevent any eventual delays. If you are not sure whether to go to the office, you must call the SSA’s national helpline or look up your application options at www.ssa.gov.
