Attention seniors: Important Social Security payment update—here’s what you need to know
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Change is inevitable, and for the 70 million seniors who rely on Social Security, a big shift is coming.
If you’ve been managing your benefits the same way for years, you may need to adjust how you handle your payments.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing a new policy aimed at protecting beneficiaries from fraud—but it also means you’ll have to take action to ensure your payments continue without interruption.
For years, updating your direct deposit information over the phone was a quick and easy process.
But as of March 29, the SSA has officially put an end to this option.
From now on, any changes to your bank details must be made online or in person at an SSA office.
The decision stems from a growing concern over fraud. Scammers have been impersonating Social Security beneficiaries, calling the SSA to reroute payments to fraudulent accounts.
In fact, about 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud has been traced back to phone scams.
In 2022 alone, scams related to Social Security—including fraudulent phone calls, emails, and text messages—cost Americans nearly $64 million.
To combat this, the SSA is tightening its security measures to protect seniors’ hard-earned benefits.
For many seniors, especially those without reliable internet access, this change could be challenging.
The phone was a convenient way to update banking information, but now, those who need to make changes will have to navigate an online system or visit an SSA office in person.
If you're not comfortable with technology, this may feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, there are steps you can take to make the process easier.
To ensure you don’t experience payment delays, here’s what you need to do:
While this change may feel like an inconvenience at first, it’s an important step in safeguarding your benefits from fraud.
By eliminating phone-based updates, the SSA is strengthening security and ensuring that your payments go directly to you—not scammers.
As we move further into the digital age, staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Remember: the SSA will never call, text, or email you asking for personal details or payments. If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately.
What do you think about this new policy? Will it make things safer, or do you think it will create challenges? Let us know in the comments!
If you’ve been managing your benefits the same way for years, you may need to adjust how you handle your payments.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing a new policy aimed at protecting beneficiaries from fraud—but it also means you’ll have to take action to ensure your payments continue without interruption.
For years, updating your direct deposit information over the phone was a quick and easy process.
But as of March 29, the SSA has officially put an end to this option.
From now on, any changes to your bank details must be made online or in person at an SSA office.
Why This Change?
The decision stems from a growing concern over fraud. Scammers have been impersonating Social Security beneficiaries, calling the SSA to reroute payments to fraudulent accounts.
In fact, about 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud has been traced back to phone scams.
In 2022 alone, scams related to Social Security—including fraudulent phone calls, emails, and text messages—cost Americans nearly $64 million.
To combat this, the SSA is tightening its security measures to protect seniors’ hard-earned benefits.
What This Means for You
For many seniors, especially those without reliable internet access, this change could be challenging.
The phone was a convenient way to update banking information, but now, those who need to make changes will have to navigate an online system or visit an SSA office in person.
If you're not comfortable with technology, this may feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, there are steps you can take to make the process easier.
Also read: Waiting on a social security raise? Find out why you might be in for a year-long wait
How to Update Your Information Safely
To ensure you don’t experience payment delays, here’s what you need to do:
- Set up a "my Social Security" account – If you don’t already have one, visit the SSA’s website and create a secure online account. This will be your go-to platform for managing your benefits.
- Make updates online – Once your account is set up, you can safely update your direct deposit details without worrying about phone scams.
- Get help if needed – If you’re unsure about using the online system, ask a trusted family member or friend for assistance. You can also call the SSA for general guidance (but remember, they won’t process direct deposit changes over the phone).
- Visit your local SSA office – If online access isn’t an option, schedule an appointment at your nearest SSA office, where staff can assist you in person.
Also read: Is your state on the map? What you need to know about recent social security office shutdowns.
The Silver Lining
While this change may feel like an inconvenience at first, it’s an important step in safeguarding your benefits from fraud.
By eliminating phone-based updates, the SSA is strengthening security and ensuring that your payments go directly to you—not scammers.
As we move further into the digital age, staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Remember: the SSA will never call, text, or email you asking for personal details or payments. If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately.
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What do you think about this new policy? Will it make things safer, or do you think it will create challenges? Let us know in the comments!
