Last month, Social Security introduced an enhanced Security Authentication PIN - or SAP - feature for mySocialSecurity account holders.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates this optional, new feature is designed to make the identity verification process faster and more secure when calling the national 800 number at 800-772-1213.

If you have a mySocialSecurity account, you will have the option to use the SAP feature to generate a PIN you will use when you call the national 800 number to authenticate your identity quickly and securely. According to Myers, this will allow Social Security representatives to assist you more efficiently and increase the number of services you can complete over the phone. 

Myers stresses this is not required. However, if you don’t have a mySocialSecurity account or choose not to use the enhanced SAP, Social Security will verify your identity over the phone using the existing verification process. He says there are certain changes, such as direct deposit, that can’t be completed over the phone without utilizing the Security Authentication PIN.