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New Social Security Rule Requires In-Person Identity Verification—What Expats in Costa Rica Need to Know Starting March 31, 2025

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a major change in its identity verification process, requiring in-person visits for many recipients and applicants. This could pose challenges for U.S. expats in Costa Rica, but thankfully, there’s a way around it—meaning you won’t have to fly back to the U.S. to access your benefits.

What’s Changing?

Starting March 31, 2025, SSA will no longer allow identity verification over the phone. Anyone applying for benefits or making changes to their direct deposit information will need to either:

  • Verify online using the SSA’s my Social Security portal (if eligible)

  • Visit an SSA field office in person

While this measure aims to combat fraud, retiree advocates have warned that it could disproportionately affect older Americans, those with disabilities, and individuals in rural areas—including U.S. citizens living abroad.


How Can Expats in Costa Rica Verify Their Identity?

Good news! Expats do not have to travel back to the U.S. to verify their identity. Instead, they can use ID.me, a government-approved identity verification service that allows foreign residents to access SSA services remotely.

Steps to Verify Your Identity from Costa Rica:

  1. Create a my Social Security account

  2. Verify your identity through ID.me

    • Select "Sign in with ID.me"

    • Upload identification documents (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

    • Complete a video call verification if required

  3. Access your benefits

    • Once verified, you can manage payments, request benefit verification letters, and check your Social Security records online.


For more details, check the official SSA guide for overseas beneficiaries:➡️ Social Security Online Services for Expats​



What If You Need Additional Help?

If you run into issues verifying your identity online, you may need to visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica can help with SSA-related services.

📍 U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica – Federal Benefits UnitWebsite


Final Thoughts

While the SSA’s new policy will make identity verification stricter, expats in Costa Rica don’t have to worry about returning to the U.S. Thanks to ID.me, managing your Social Security benefits can still be done remotely—saving you time, money, and stress.

Have you used ID.me to verify your Social Security account from Costa Rica? Let us know your experience in the comments!


Arcadia Team

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