Starting on March 31, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement significant changes to its identity verification process, affecting millions of recipients.
The agency will no longer allow identity checks over the phone, requiring individuals to verify their identity online or in person at a field office. This change, designed to curb fraudulent claims, is expected to impact both new and existing Social Security recipients.
However, critics are raising concerns about the accessibility of these new requirements, particularly for vulnerable populations like seniors in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
New Verification Process
According to the SSA, beginning March 31, all recipients will be required to verify their identity through the “my Social Security” online platform. Those unable to complete this process online will need to visit a Social Security field office in person.
This move is part of a broader initiative to reduce fraud within the system, which has cost the SSA over $100 million annually due to fraudulent direct deposit claims.
Leland Dudek, the SSA’s acting commissioner, emphasized the need for such measures, noting that the information used for knowledge-based authentication is already in the public domain, which makes it vulnerable to exploitation.
While this new system aims to streamline the verification process, some are questioning whether the move will have unintended consequences for those who face barriers to online access.
Concerns Over Accessibility and Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The new verification rules are raising alarms, particularly for older Americans, many of whom live in rural areas with limited internet access. Additionally, seniors and individuals with disabilities may find it more difficult to travel to SSA offices for in-person verification.
Critics, including Rep. John Larson (D-CT), argue that the closure of several SSA offices, alongside the push for online verification, could create chaos and further complicate the process for those most in need of assistance.
“By requiring seniors and disabled Americans to enroll online or in person at the same field offices they are trying to close, rather than over the phone, Trump and Musk are trying to create chaos and inefficiencies at SSA so they can privatize the system,” he said in a statement
These concerns are compounded by the SSA’s ongoing cost-cutting measures, including the closure of over 40 field offices and potential layoffs of thousands of workers. While the SSA has argued that many of these offices are small or serve limited populations, their closure adds another layer of uncertainty for those relying on the agency for essential services.
