--- title: How to Prepare For the New Social Security ID Policy description: The Social Security Administration has new identity proofing requirements coming into effect in April. Here's what to know. canonical: https://time.com/7272921/social-security-new-identity-proofing-policy-how-to-prepare/ author: Rebecca Schneid article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2025-03-30T17:24:27.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-19T07:51:10.208Z article:section: Politics og:title: How to Prepare For the New Social Security ID Policy og:description: The Social Security Administration has new identity proofing requirements coming into effect in April. What to know. og:url: https://time.com/7272921/social-security-new-identity-proofing-policy-how-to-prepare/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltafb4d97a921eda43/6998c557c8dcb4540fb4fff8/GettyImages-2206443388.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1024 og:image:height: 576 og:image:alt: US-POLITICS-TRUMP-REFORM-SOCIALSECURITY og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: How to Prepare For the New Social Security ID Policy twitter:description: The Social Security Administration has new identity proofing requirements coming into effect in April. What to know. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltafb4d97a921eda43/6998c557c8dcb4540fb4fff8/GettyImages-2206443388.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # How to Prepare For the New Social Security ID Policy Ahead of Its Initiation in April > Sponsored content. 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Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=f5e6b1e2-c25f-4bd0-b57f-ef35fff6bab6&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) ## Video: What Is Happening to Social Security Under the Trump Administration and Should You Be Concerned About Yours? [Watch (HLS stream): What Is Happening to Social Security Under the Trump Administration and Should You Be Concerned About Yours?](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/k76gVm5E.m3u8) (2:37)  _Published 2025-04-02. Since President Donald Trump has returned to the White House, a core focus of his presidency has been to eliminate waste in the federal government, an effort spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the watchful eye of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Several departments and agencies have been subjected to major funding cuts and mass layoffs. Meanwhile, the Department of Education faces the potential of being dismantled entirely. However, one agency that has been the subject of mixed messages from the Trump Administration is Social Security._  by [Rebecca Schneid](https://time.com/author/rebecca-schneid/)  ## Rebecca Schneid Reporter Mar 30, 2025 5:24 PM UTC Since President Donald Trump has returned to the White House, a core focus of his presidency has been to eliminate waste in the federal government, an effort spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the watchful eye of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Several departments and agencies have been subjected to major funding cuts and mass layoffs. Meanwhile, the Department of Education faces the potential of being dismantled entirely. However, one agency that has been the subject of mixed messages from the Trump Administration is Social Security.  by [Rebecca Schneid](https://time.com/author/rebecca-schneid/)  ## Rebecca Schneid Reporter Mar 30, 2025 5:24 PM UTC Since President Donald Trump has returned to the Oval Office, Social Security—a program which sends retirement and disability benefits [to over 70 million people](https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/quickfacts/stat%5Fsnapshot/)—has been the subject of many conversations. Although Trump [initially assured voters ](https://time.com/7266187/trump-recession-tariffs-us-economy-ukraine-zelensky-conflict-interview/)that Social Security wouldn’t be touched, there have [since been reports](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/06/doge-is-driving-social-security-cuts-will-make-mistakes-acting-head-says-privately/) of potential staff and office cuts spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). A new policy by the Social Security Administration (SSA) was announced on [March 18, ](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-18) with a plan to enforce online and in-person identity proofing as opposed to that which can be done over the phone. This was an attempt to “implement stronger identity verification procedures,” the press release said. The changes were initially scheduled to go into effect on March 31. However, after much confusion and backlash, [the SSA backtracked](https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-updates-recently-announced-identity-proofing-requirements/) on some of the new measures and also extended the timeline, allowing more time for the system—and Social Security recipients—to prepare for the new identity proofing requirements. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the new Social Security identification policy. ## **What are the new Social Security ID policies?** [The new SSA ID policy ](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-18)includes a transition to requiring “stronger” identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes—identity proofing that can no longer happen over the phone for most beneficiaries of Social Security. Recipients will instead have to verify their identity via an online account, but those who do not have an account will need to prove their identity “in-person” at an SSA field office. People can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment. Per the SSA, “the updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is leading the charge with DOGE, previously characterized Social Security as [“the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,”](https://www.wral.com/story/fact-check-elon-musk-calls-social-security-a-ponzi-scheme/21926444/) claiming that the program is riddled with [fraud](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1891350795452654076) and waste. Some experts have stated that the levels of fraud within the Social Security system[ are not as prominent](https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20250219139/are-150-year-old-americans-really-collecting-social-security-and-4-other-common-questions-on-social-security-fraud) as the Trump Administration says. During a March 29 interview on [MSNBC](https://www.msnbc.com/weekends-with-alex-witt/watch/-a-wholesale-effort-to-dismantle-social-security-sen-tina-smith-torches-doge-cuts-to-ssa-235774533522), Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, voiced concerns about the Trump Administration and DOGE’s intentions regarding Social Security. “They’re creating so much chaos and havoc in this system, it’s causing so much anxiety for my constituents and people all over the country,” she said. “I will tell you, I could see my Republican colleagues on the Finance Committee this week, as we were clearing the nominee \[Frank Bisignano\] for Social Security Administration, reflecting back the anxiety they’re getting from their constituents. But at the same time, are they willing to do anything to stop this? Apparently not.” During Bisignano’s hearing on March 25, Smith declined to ask a question and instead made a statement. “This is a travesty. We can see what’s going on here… this is a wholesale effort to dismantle Social Security from the inside-out. This is not about rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse,” she said. Speaking on MSNBC, Smith said Bisignano was “deflecting” during his hearing, and cast doubt on his assurances that he would protect Social Security. **Read More**: [_What Is Happening to Social Security Under the Trump Administration and Should You Be Concerned About Yours?_](https://time.com/7271888/social-security-under-trump-administration-elon-musk-concerns/) ## **Who will be affected by these new policies and who is exempt?** The new policy initially drew criticism from lawmakers and advocates who stated that it alienated those for whom it would be incredibly difficult to make in-person visits to SSA field offices—including those in rural communities far away from offices, those with disabilities, and seniors. AARP, formerly the American Association for Retired Persons, [posted a statement,](https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration) requesting the SSA “rethink” these requirements, pointing out that “requiring rural Americans to go into an office can mean having to take a day off of work and drive for hours merely to fill out paperwork.” During Bisignano’s hearing, he answered questions about these changes from lawmakers worried about the alienation of citizens. Sen. [Elizabeth Warren](https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-pressure-from-warren-social-security-nominee-commits-to-meet-staffing-needs-and-protect-social-security-benefits) posed a hypothetical scenario to Bisignano in which a senior with a disability has trouble with traveling to a field office and is eventually turned away. She asked him: “Is that a benefit cut?” To which he replied: “I have no intent to have anything like that happen under my watch.” On March 26, the[ SSA posted an update](https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-updates-recently-announced-identity-proofing-requirements/) to these new changes, stating that some people will be exempt from these new rules, allowing people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to complete their claim by other means. “We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, [said in the update](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-26). “Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications will be exempt from in-person identity proofing because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.” All other beneficiaries who are unable to use the online portal must still visit an in-person SSA office, that includes “people applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits.” However, the agency states that this will not be enforced in “extreme dire-need situations.” These extreme scenarios include terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios—though the agency says it is still working on a process that will allow for these cases to bypass the new policy. **Read More**: [_What Is SNAP and What Challenges Is It Facing Under the Trump Administration?_](https://time.com/7272755/what-is-snap-challenges-it-faces-under-trump-administration-rfk-jr/) ## **When will the new Social Security ID policy go into effect?** With the new shift in policy, the update from the SSA announced a delay in the timeline of the new identity proofing requirements, stating the changes will apply to all beneficiaries beginning April 14\. This was in part due to an attempt to have more time to train employees. The changes come amid the SSA denying reports that they are closing multiple field offices. “Since Jan. 1, 2025, the agency has not permanently closed or announced the permanent closure of any local field office,” the SSA [statement read](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-27-a). “From time to time, SSA must temporarily close a local field office for reasons such as weather, damage, or facilities issues, and it reopens when the issues are resolved.” Still, experts worry that with planned staff cuts, it may be harder for beneficiaries to receive benefits. Pamela Herd, professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, told TIME[ on March 26](https://time.com/7271888/social-security-under-trump-administration-elon-musk-concerns/) that the effects are already being felt. “People are waiting for hours to get through on the phone and then getting cut off before they can actually talk to a representative. The field offices, that honestly were already a bit overwhelmed \[already\], are now completely overwhelmed,” she said. “So there's a real disconnect between the statement, ‘I'm not going to cut benefits,’ and in practice, what is going on in the agency.” ## **How to prepare for the new ID policy** Those who are not applying for Medicare, Disability, and SSI should prepare for the new ID policy by [creating a “my Social Security” account](https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html#:~:text=Visit%20www.ssa.gov%2F,Social%20Security%20number%20%28SSN%29.) on the SSA website, if they do not already have one. That way, they will not have to provide identification in-person. This option is the “easiest and most secure” way to verify one’s identity, [according to the SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/news/identity-proofing.html?tl=0%2C1%2C7%2C9). People can [create their account](https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html) through either one of two credential service providers: Login.gov or ID.me, and they must have a valid email address. For those who are unable to utilize the “my Social Security” account and therefore [must go to a field office in-person](https://www.ssa.gov/locator/?URL=%2Fapps6z%2FFOLO%2Ffo001.jsp), the SSA allows for several different kinds of primary and secondary proofs of identity, including a driver's license, passport, alien or voter registration card, or union card to verify your identity. The SSA has its own [priority list of acceptable identification documents](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210420) listed online. ## Transcript Since President Donald Trump has returned to the white House, a core focus of his presidency has been to eliminate waste in the federal government, an effort spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency. Doge. Under the watchful eye of Elon Musk, however, one agency that has been the subject of mixed messages from the Trump administration is Social Security, a program which sends retirement and disability benefits to over 70 million people through the SSA. In the fiscal year 2024, over 20% of the federal budget was spent on Social Security. Trump has maintained that he will not touch the program, but some cabinet members have cast doubt on whether or not those who receive Social Security benefits should be concerned. Here's what you need to know about what's happening to Social Security under the Trump administration, and whether or not you should be concerned. There have been reports that Doge plans to cut thousands of jobs at the SSA and close offices around the country. While the SSA say that these closures are fake, leadership says that it will cut 7000 of its 57,000 person staff. According to some experts, the short answer for whether or not people should be concerned about Social Security is yes, the significant staff cuts. They say it's less of a question of whether or not any benefits will get cut, but rather whether the SSA will have the staff to actually deliver the benefits that are being mandated. People have also been concerned about DOJ's access to the sensitive information held by the SSA. In a ruling in Maryland, one judge ruled to block Dodge from having access to SSA databanks. Granting a temporary restraining order. Elsewhere, there has been concern about the introduction of new identification policies announced by the SSA in March, which will require people to come to field offices in person or access information online instead of utilising phone calls. When you shut off phone lines, when you close offices, when you increase wait times three years for someone on disability to get Social Security. Make no mistake about it, they're trying to strangle Social Security, so it has no more life in it. In response to backlash from lawmakers and advocates, the SSA released an update that some people will be exempt from these new rules, allowing people applying for Medicare, disability or SSI to complete their claims by other means. Those who are not applying for Medicare, disability and SSI should prepare for the new ID policy on April 14th, and they can do so by creating a my Social Security account on the SSA website if they do not already have one. That way they will not have to provide identification in person for the SSA. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activities. This comes after Musk, who is leading the charge with Doge, previously characterized Social Security as the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time, claiming that the program is riddled with fraud and waste. 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