As Elon Musk’s DOGE targets the Social Security Administration (SSA) for cuts and reorganization, new rules for benefit recipients could lead to chaos and dysfunction. This week, the SSA announced it will no longer allow new benefit recipients to verify their identities over the phone. Instead, participants must use online ID verification software or visit a government field office in person. Returning benefit recipients updating direct deposit information face the same requirements.
The SSA stated it is enhancing service security through stronger identity verification procedures. While telephone claims initiation remains possible, claims cannot be completed until identity is verified in person. The agency recommends scheduling in-person appointments to complete claims in one interaction. The effectiveness of the government’s ID verification software is unclear, with reports indicating 14 to 24 million Americans lack broadband access and 42% of older adults lack reliable internet access. Many elderly Americans may struggle navigating digital platforms.
Complicating matters, DOGE has targeted SSA field offices nationwide for lease termination and closure. Currently, 47 offices across various states have had or will have their leases terminated. Additionally, DOGE plans to halve the SSA’s staff, potentially crippling the agency’s ability to dispense benefits. A memo suggests these policy changes will increase field office traffic, extend call wait times, and delay processing. These changes align with Musk’s criticism of the program as a ‘Ponzi scheme.’
— news from Gizmodo