The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that it would delay and adjust its new identity verification policy.
Initially, the SSA planned to stop allowing benefit claimants to verify their identity over the phone starting March 31 when filing claims or updating direct deposit details.
This would have forced those unable to verify their identity online to visit an SSA field office in person, a move aimed at preventing fraud.
However, the policy faced strong criticism from lawmakers and Social Security advocates, who argued that it would create unnecessary hardships for vulnerable Americans.
What to Know?
The SSA has now amended the policy, pushing the start date to April 14. Under the revised plan, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will still be able to complete their claims entirely over the phone if they cannot use the online system.
However, those applying for retirement, survivor, spouse, or child benefits—or those wanting to update direct deposit details—will still need to visit an SSA office if they cannot verify their identity online.
An SSA audit revealed that between January 2013 and May 2018, fraudsters redirected $33.5 million in benefits from 20,878 recipients by altering direct deposit information.
The SSA clarified that the new requirements will not apply in extreme cases, such as terminal illness or prisoner pre-release situations.
This change comes at a challenging time for the SSA, as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to close 47 SSA field offices across the country, mainly in the southeast and southern U.S. The SSA currently operates around 1,230 field offices.
Backlash
The initial policy announcement sparked significant backlash from advocacy groups and lawmakers.
Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security, called the policy “hostile” toward seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, said the change would unnecessarily push millions of vulnerable Americans into overcrowded offices.
Frank Bisignano, President Donald Trump’s nominee for SSA commissioner, faced tough questions about the policy during a recent Senate hearing.
What People Are Saying?
Lee Dudek, acting SSA commissioner, stated on March 26 that the agency had “listened to our customers, Congress, and advocates” and adjusted the policy to improve service for vulnerable populations.
He added that the two-week delay would give SSA employees more time to receive training.
Max Richtman welcomed the delay but maintained that removing phone-based identity verification remains a poor decision, saying it creates unnecessary obstacles for seniors and families seeking benefits.
What’s Next?
The revised policy will take effect on April 14.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.