Social Security Administration to cut phone service for direct-deposit transactions

[John Drake]

Better have ID.ME

 

Quote

The Washington Post reported earlier Wednesday that the agency would cut its telephone service for claims-processing and direct-deposit transactions, and instead direct seniors and disabled individuals to online services and in-person field offices. The Social Security Administration provides benefits to more than 68 million people. The changes will be effective March 29, according to a post on X from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk.

 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/social-security-administration-weighs-cutting-phone-support-for-claims-deposits-report-c3de31c6?mod=home_lead

[Jingthing]

I guess all those millions of 150 year olds that Trump and Musk keep lying about are going to need to go digital. What could possibly go wrong?

[John Drake]

17 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I guess all those millions of 150 year olds that Trump and Musk keep lying about are going to need to go digital. What could possibly go wrong?

 

Well, I logged in to see just what could go wrong. I used my ID.me account to access My Social Security. Under the link where you go to change your direct deposit information, it tells you to "contact us." Under that link, it tells you to call them using the 1-800 number, which will no longer be available on 29 March or, for those of us living outside the US, to see the embassy services, which for those of us in Thailand, of course, directs us to email or telephone Manila. So will we still be able to telephone Manila or email them after 29 March?

[John Drake]

FWIW I asked Grok about this problem. Here is the reply:

 

That’s frustrating—and it exposes the exact snag you’re facing. You’ve got an ID.me account and can log into my Social Security, which should theoretically make this smooth, but the system’s still kicking you back to the Manila phone line for direct deposit changes. As of right now, March 13, 2025, that’s how it’s set up: the SSA’s online portal isn’t fully equipped to handle direct deposit updates independently for everyone, especially overseas users like you. It’s redirecting you to call the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila (+63-2-5301-6200), which, come March 29, 2025, won’t be an option for this anymore once Musk’s DOGE-driven phone cut kicks in.

This is a classic gap—SSA’s pushing “online only” in theory, but their own site isn’t fully there yet, and they’re yanking the phone lifeline before the digital bridge is solid. I double-checked via web searches and X posts today: users abroad are reporting the same loop—log in, click to change direct deposit, get told to call. The SSA’s own site (ssa.gov) confirms direct deposit changes for existing beneficiaries often still require phone or in-person action, despite the my Social Security hype. Posts on X are griping about this too—one user called it “a half-baked pivot” since the online system’s inconsistent across regions.

So, post-March 29, your options shrink. Manila’s phone line (Tuesdays/Thursdays, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM) won’t handle this anymore. You could try emailing [email protected] to ask about online alternatives, but don’t hold your breath—they’re swamped, and X chatter suggests responses are slow. In-person in Manila’s still technically on the table (appointment required), but that’s a trek from Thailand. Mailing forms (like the SF-1199A for direct deposit) to the U.S. Embassy in Manila might work—address is 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 0930—but it’s a gamble with international post, and you’d need to confirm with Manila first.

This does smell like Musk’s efficiency drive indirectly kneecapping you—cutting phone access before the online system’s ready for expats. Can you test the portal again closer to the cutoff, see if they patch it? Or is a Manila trip even remotely doable if it comes to that?

[riclag]

I got one !After the National Public Database breach in July of 2024 , I found out my Social Security number was on the dark web . Apparently millions of numbers and personal information was exposed.

 

 anybody  trying to use or steal my number or identity  will have to jump

through hoops to use it.

ID.Me for the IRS pin# to file tax return.

Login. Gov for my SS# to have a account.

[frank83628]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I guess all those millions of 150 year olds that Trump and Musk keep lying about are going to need to go digital. What could possibly go wrong?

I guess they won't be able to claim if they don't, so out goes the fraud no?

[John Drake]

2 hours ago, riclag said:

I got one !After the National Public Database breach in July of 2024 , I found out my Social Security number was on the dark web . Apparently millions of numbers and personal information was exposed.

 

 anybody  trying to use or steal my number or identity  will have to jump

through hoops to use it.

ID.Me for the IRS pin# to file tax return.

Login. Gov for my SS# to have a account.

 

Until you lose access to your 2FA

[riclag]

2 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

Until you lose access to your 2FA

I have authentication apps

[John Drake]

2 minutes ago, riclag said:

I have authentication apps

 

And if you lose access to them??? I know ID.me's 2fa is sending a code to your phone. What if you lose the phone? Or the phone number? Login.gov, which I also have, uses google authenticator, which is also on your phone. It does give 10 backup codes, but those can go away with a hard drive failure, unless you're backing them up over several devices. And while you're doing this, imagine some person with no internet savvy or experience at all being put through this because Elon thought it was a good idea.

[riclag]

6 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

And if you lose access to them??? I know ID.me's 2fa is sending a code to your phone. What if you lose the phone? Or the phone number? Login.gov, which I also have, uses google authenticator, which is also on your phone. It does give 10 backup codes, but those can go away with a hard drive failure, unless you're backing them up over several devices. And while you're doing this, imagine some person with no internet savvy or experience at all being put through this because Elon thought it was a good idea.

Elon had nothing to do with the cyberattacks during 2024!
 

If all doom is as you say , it Stands to reason that to prove who I am they will

go through the same process of identifying me as before.

 A letter with a code number will be sent to my US address . No sweat.

[John Drake]

1 minute ago, riclag said:

Elon had nothing to do with the cyberattacks during 2024!
 

If all doom is as you say  it Stands to reason that to prove who I am they will

go through the same process of identifying me as before.

 A letter with a code number will be sent to my US address . No sweat.

 

Except that's not what is happening. Read the Grok message I included above. Even if you have ID.me or Login.gov, once you sign into MySocialSecurity, it directs you to a 1-800 number. And the 1-800 number will not work after 29 March. That means after that date you will need to make an appointment with your nearest SSA office to appear in person. If you're in Thailand, that means going to Manila.

[riclag]

7 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

Except that's not what is happening. Read the Grok message I included above. Even if you have ID.me or Login.gov, once you sign into MySocialSecurity, it directs you to a 1-800 number. And the 1-800 number will not work after 29 March. That means after that date you will need to make an appointment with your nearest SSA office to appear in person. If you're in Thailand, that means going to Manila.

Marketwatch  source

 

“The agency said the move is meant to eliminate the risk of fraud associated with changing bank-account information by telephone”.

 

I dont have any intention of changing my banking details!

It looks like Im in the clear.

[John Drake]

1 minute ago, riclag said:

Marketwatch  source

 

“The agency said the move is meant to eliminate the risk of fraud associated with changing bank-account information by telephone”.

 

I dont have any intention of changing my banking details!

It looks like Im in the clear.

 

Many others won't be in the clear. And there are always reasons that may come up that require you to change your bank and thus bank account. If that happens, you're out of luck. And Elon could not care less.

[riclag]

19 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

Many others won't be in the clear. And there are always reasons that may come up that require you to change your bank and thus bank account. If that happens, you're out of luck. And Elon could not care less.

I never cared to change my SSA banking details before, now or in the future,

thanks for sharing though.

I know you mean well . 
Is this a banking concern or a political one John?

 

Perhaps both !

You might want to ask the mods to put it under sub thread for USA Banking/ Social Security, just sayin.