SSA Stopped Telephonic Services from March 2025: Recently, some news reports have claimed that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is planning to stop offering telephone services. But this is not true. SSA is not eliminating phone services; instead, it is making changes to protect seniors and beneficiaries from fraud, especially when it comes to changing bank account information for direct deposits.
Let’s understand what is actually changing and what is not.
What Is Changing in SSA’s Telephone Services?
SSA is tightening security rules around changing bank account information over the phone. This is because about 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud happens when someone calls SSA pretending to be someone else to change bank account details.
Until now, SSA used to confirm a caller’s identity by asking a few identifying questions over the phone. However, this method is no longer safe enough to prevent scammers from accessing people’s benefits.
To protect your money, SSA will no longer allow bank account changes over a simple phone call. Instead, if you want to update your bank details, you must do one of these two things:
- Use SSA’s “my Social Security” online portal with two-factor authentication for extra security.
- Visit your local SSA office in person to prove your identity and make the changes securely.
Why Is SSA Making These Changes?
SSA’s main goal is to protect the benefits of seniors and other recipients. With increasing fraud attempts, especially targeting direct deposits, SSA is taking strong steps to reduce risks.
These new methods follow security standards used by most major banks. By requiring in-person visits or secure online logins, SSA can better verify identities and stop scammers from stealing Social Security benefits.
What Services Are NOT Changing?
All other SSA telephone services will continue as usual. You can still call SSA to:
- Ask questions about your benefits.
- Get help with applications.
- Check your status.
- Report issues.
The only change is that you can no longer change your direct deposit bank account information over the phone without additional security steps.
How to Change Your Bank Account Safely
If you need to update your bank account for Social Security direct deposits, here’s what to do:
Option 1: Use “my Social Security” Online Account
- Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Log in using two-factor authentication (this usually means entering a code sent to your phone or email).
- Update your direct deposit information safely.
Option 2: Visit a Local SSA Office
- Bring valid identification (like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Visit your nearest SSA office and request to update your bank information.
To sum up, Social Security is NOT ending phone services. The only change is how you update bank information to prevent fraud. You can still call SSA for other help, but for bank account updates, online secure login or visiting an SSA office in person will now be required.
This is a smart move to keep your benefits safe from scammers and align SSA’s security with banks’ best practices. If you have questions, you can still call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov.
FAQ
Is Social Security ending phone services?
No, Social Security is not ending phone services. You can still call SSA for help with benefits, applications, and general questions. Only bank account changes by phone are restricted to prevent fraud.
Why can’t I change my bank account information over the phone anymore?
SSA is stopping bank account changes over the phone to protect beneficiaries from fraud. Nearly 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud comes from unauthorized changes made via phone calls.
How can I safely change my bank account for Social Security direct deposit?
You can update your bank account safely by logging into your ‘my Social Security’ account using two-factor authentication or by visiting your local SSA office with valid ID to make the change in person.
Are other Social Security phone services affected by this change?
No, all other Social Security phone services will continue as usual. You can still call SSA for assistance with benefits, status updates, and questions. The only change is related to updating bank account information.
Where can I find more information about these Social Security changes?
For more details, visit the official SSA website at www.ssa.gov or call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
