The Social Security Administration is making two changes to the process for direct deposit change requests. Those are requests that Social Security recipients make to the SSA when they want their benefits sent to a different bank account than the one the agency has on file.

The SSA is transitioning to stronger identity verification procedures for both new benefit claims and direct deposit changes.

The changes will start March 31. The agency will allow those who cannot use the My Social Security account to start the process over the phone but will require in-person visits to verify identity. You can visit a local office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.