Starting April 14, new identity proofing rules from the Social Security Administration (SSA) are set to pose significant challenges for millions of beneficiaries.
The SSA has decided to discontinue over-the-phone identity verification services, requiring most applicants to complete the verification process online through the My Social Security portal.
Those unable to use the online system will be forced to travel to a local field office for in-person verification. This change impacts many, especially seniors and those with disabilities, who may face barriers in accessing these services.
According to Newsweek, the new rules are likely to cause major disruptions in how Social Security benefits are accessed, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Challenges for Seniors
A report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) highlights the difficulties these changes will create for seniors. An estimated 6 million seniors may need to travel 45 miles or more to reach a Social Security field office.
For many, especially those who do not drive or have mobility issues, this will pose a serious challenge. The report notes,
Nationally, it’s estimated that over 6 million seniors don’t drive, and nearly 8 million seniors report a medical condition or disability that makes it difficult to travel outside the home.
This requirement to travel long distances will be particularly difficult for seniors who live in rural or remote areas where public transportation may not be available, and where travel distances to the nearest office are much greater than the average.
State-By-State Impact
While some states will be less affected due to the availability of more field offices, others will see greater burdens. In states like Wyoming and Alaska, a significant portion of seniors will be forced to travel long distances to complete their identity verification.
In Alaska, nearly half of the senior population could face 45-mile trips, or even longer. The situation is similarly challenging in Wyoming, where 65% of seniors live beyond this distance.
In these states, where fewer field offices are available, the rules are likely to make it
Harder or even impossible for people to access their earned benefits.
Impact on Survivor Benefits and Children
In addition to seniors, bereaved family members applying for survivor benefits will also face significant barriers. Currently, there is no online application system for survivor benefits, and children are not eligible for My Social Security accounts.
This means families will have no choice but to make in-person visits to verify identities, further complicating access to benefits.
More than 4 in 10 retirees apply for their Social Security benefits by phone, as do most spouses who are eligible for benefits – The report reads.
So do the substantial majority of bereaved family members who are eligible for benefits following the death of a worker.
Public Concerns and the SSA’s Response
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and other advocacy groups have raised concerns that the new rules will disproportionately affect seniors, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas.
Telephone services are critical for seniors and people with disabilities, who may struggle to access online portals and may face barriers to traveling to field offices (if one even exists in their area) – the CBPP explains.
Many Social Security beneficiaries don’t drive while others have mobility issues that make getting to in-person appointments difficult or burdensome, even if they do not live great distances away.
The SSA, in response to these concerns, issued a statement regarding the change in phone service, saying,
The agency will continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure it pays the right person the right amount at the right time while safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers.
These changes are poised to challenge many vulnerable populations, and how the SSA handles these challenges will be critical in ensuring that benefits remain accessible to those who need them the most.
