By: Annie Walters
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in NV
You don’t need to contact Social Security if you don’t receive benefits. If you are not applying for benefits or changing direct deposit information for current benefits, there is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity.
People will continue to receive their benefits on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity.
If changing direct deposit information for existing benefits, the most convenient and secure way to prove identity is with Social Security’s online services using a personal my Social Security account.
If unable to use Social Security’s online services, or generate a one-time code on ssa.gov/PIN a person
- changing direct deposit information for any type of benefit must prove their identity in a Social Security office.
- receiving payment by paper check must visit a Social Security office before changing their mailing address.
- Filing for certain types of benefits by telephone must prove their identity in a Social Security office.
You don’t need to visit Social Security:
- to prove your identity if you use a personal my Social Security account to change direct deposit information.
- if you are applying for benefits online or over the phone (unless your claim is flagged as a possible fraud risk).
- to continue receiving benefits to the bank account information in Social Security’s records.
- if you do not receive benefits.
You do need to visit a Social Security office if you need to change direct deposit information and cannot do it online or cannot generate a one-time code at ssa.gov/PIN to complete the direct deposit transaction over the phone. You will be redirected to sign in to or create a personal my Social Security account to generate the code. If you are unable to create an account, you will need to come into a local Social Security office or arrange for direct deposit through your bank.
