In an attempt to combat fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration is implementing stricter identity verification measures. Millions of recipients and applicants will now need to visit agency field offices instead of verifying their identity over the phone. Starting March 31st, individuals will no longer be able to verify their identity through phone calls. Those unable to verify their identity through the agency’s online service “my Social Security” will be required to visit a field office in person. This change applies to new Social Security applicants and existing recipients seeking to update their direct deposit information.
However, advocates for retirees warn that this change will disproportionately affect older Americans in rural areas, as well as those with disabilities and limited internet access. The agency’s plan to close numerous Social Security offices and lay off thousands of workers has raised concerns about accessibility to services.
Alongside the identity verification adjustment, the agency announced that it will expedite the processing of direct deposit change requests to one business day, down from the previous 30-day waiting period for online changes. Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner of the agency, emphasized the need to tackle direct deposit fraud amounting to over $100 million annually.
While some lawmakers have criticized the changes, suggesting they could create chaos and inefficiencies, Dudek defended the measures as necessary to enhance security and service speed. The agency serves over 72.5 million individuals, including retirees and children, receiving retirement and disability benefits.
Despite concerns about office closures and layoffs, the agency downplayed the impact of shuttered offices, describing many as remote sites serving a small number of visitors. The closures are part of a larger effort by President Donald Trump and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to streamline the federal government.
Critics, including Elon Musk, have questioned the integrity of Social Security, labeling it a “Ponzi scheme” and advocating for significant government spending reductions. Concerns about the accessibility of benefits persist as the administration moves forward with its plans to restructure the federal government.
Last week, a group of labor unions filed a lawsuit requesting a federal court to issue an emergency order preventing DOGE from obtaining access to the sensitive Social Security information of millions of Americans. Additionally, they raised concerns about the benefits program.
