The Social Security Administration is set to implement “stronger identity verification procedures” soon, which will require millions of people to visit agency field offices in person instead of handling their requests over the phone.

This updated policy, announced this week, will take effect by the end of the month and impacts both benefit claims and direct deposit changes, according to the agency. The new safeguards will primarily affect individuals who do not have access to a “My Social Security” account, which requires online identity verification. The SSA stated that these recipients and applicants will need to go to a Social Security office in person with proof of their identity.

“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, in a news release on Tuesday. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”

The SSA will also begin processing direct deposit requests, both online and in-person, within one business day, speeding up the process significantly. Previously, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.

New Social Security Administration policy to begin on March 31

Starting March 31, the SSA will enforce both online and in-person identity verification processes. As part of the transition, SSA will train employees and managers on the new safeguards and monitor compliance.

For individuals unable to use the online “My Social Security” services, they can initiate their benefit claim by phone. However, claims cannot be finalized until their identity is verified in person. Those without online access should call 1-800-772-1213 to request an in-person appointment.

Social Security field offices in New York

To find the nearest SSA office and for office hours, visit the SSA field office locator at ssa.gov/locator/.

Here are some of the SSA field offices in New York (outside New York City and Long Island):

• Albany County: Albany – 11 A Clinton Ave., Room 430, Federal Building
• Broome County: Binghamton – 2 Court St., Suite 300
• Cattaraugus County: Olean – 1618 W. State St.
• Chautauqua County: Dunkirk – 437 W. Main St., Suite 2, Jamestown – 321 Hazeltine Ave.
• Chemung County: Horseheads – 3345 S. Chambers Road, Suite 19
• Clinton County: Plattsburgh – 14 Durkee St., Suite 230
• Columbia County: Hudson – 747 Warren St.
• Dutchess County: Poughkeepsie – 332 Main St.
• Erie County: Buffalo – 478 Main St., Suite 200, West Seneca – 1900 Ridge Road, Suite 120
• Fulton County: Gloversville – 13 N. Arlington Ave.
• Genesee County: Batavia – 571 E. Main St.
• Jefferson County: Watertown – 156 Bellew Ave. South
• Monroe County: Rochester – 200 E. Main St. (second floor), Greece – 4050 W. Ridge Road (second floor)
• Niagara County: Niagara Falls – 6540 Niagara Falls Blvd.
• Oneida County: Utica – 10 Broad St., Federal Building
• Onondaga County: Syracuse – 100 S. Clinton St., Federal Building (fourth floor)
• Ontario County: Geneva – 15 Lewis St.
• Orange County: Newburgh – 3 Washington Center, Suite 301
• Oswego County: Oswego – 17 Fourth Ave.
• Otsego County: Oneonta – 31 Main St., Suite 1
• Rensselaer County: Troy – 500 Federal St., Suite 101
• Rockland County: West Nyack – 240 W. Nyack Road
• Schenectady County: Schenectady – 1 Broadway Center, 8th floor
• St. Lawrence County: Ogdensburg – 101 Ford St.
• Steuben County: Corning – 200 Nasser Civic Center
• Sullivan County: Monticello – 60 Jefferson St., Suite 4
• Tompkins County: Ithaca – 127 W. State St., second floor
• Warren County: Glens Falls – 67 Warren St., Suite 1
• Westchester County: Peekskill – 1 Park Place, third floor, White Plains – 297 Knollwood Road, Suite 4A, Yonkers – 20 S. Broadway, Suite 500, New Rochelle – 85 Harrison St.

Includes reporting by the USA Today network