The Social Security Administration’s plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients, while simultaneously closing government offices, has sparked controversy among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and program recipients. This move is intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President Donald Trump and officials in his administration claim are widespread.
The new requirements will affect anyone needing to verify their bank information with the agency, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify a child’s information on the SSA website. Beginning March 31, those unable to verify their identity through the agency’s “my Social Security” online service will need to visit an agency field office in person. Additionally, Social Security field offices across the country are set to close, with 26 of the 47 listed for closure slated to shut down this year.
Advocates warn that these changes, along with plans to reduce the agency workforce through mass layoffs, could result in significant delays to services. Nancy LeaMond of the AARP stated that eliminating phone verification would lead to more headaches and longer wait times for routine customer service needs. Agency leaders announced they would begin training frontline employees and management about the new policy over the next two weeks.
Democrats have quickly pushed back, with a group of 62 House Democrats expressing concern about how the changes could hurt older beneficiaries in remote areas and people with limited internet access. One Social Security recipient, 80-year-old Sandi Bachom of New York, expressed fear about the change, emphasizing her reliance on Social Security after losing a high-paying job.
The White House claims the intention of the change is to stop vulnerabilities to fraud. Harrison Fields, a White House spokesman, stated, “We’re looking out for seniors by doing this.” The agency distributes approximately $1.6 trillion in old-age and disability benefits annually.
The end of phone service identification could significantly impact some recipients, including families with children who will be required to visit an SSA office, as children cannot open online accounts through the “my Social Security” online service. Critics argue this could overwhelm field offices and potentially collapse the system.
— news from CBS News
