WASHINGTON —The Social Security Administration (SSA) is revising its previously announced policy that would have required all beneficiaries, both new and existing, to visit a Social Security field office for identity verification. The administration announced on Wednesday that individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income, who are unable to use the agency’s online services, can now fulfill their claims entirely via phone, eliminating the need for an in-person visit. Other applicants will, however, still need to confirm their identities at a field office.
These adjustments to the policy are set to take effect beginning April 14th, superseding the earlier implementation date of March 31st. Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, stated in a public announcement, “We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the nation’s most vulnerable populations.” He further explained that the delay in implementation will afford officials time to adequately prepare employees for the new procedures.
The SSA had initially unveiled plans last week that mandated in-person identity verification for millions of beneficiaries while simultaneously signaling the closure of 47 field offices across 18 states. These regulations would have affected individuals needing to validate their bank information, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits but cannot verify certain data online. The adjustments aim to curtail fraud and waste within the system, concerns emphasized by President Donald Trump and his administration.
The proposed changes have ignited debates among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and program recipients who criticize the administration for imposing unnecessary obstacles on a vulnerable populace. Nancy LeaMond, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer at AARP, commented on the Wednesday announcement, calling it a positive initial step in addressing the concerns voiced by AARP and older Americans over plans to cease phone services for critical Social Security necessities.
“But merely delaying the implementation of this change is not enough,” LeaMond asserted. “SSA should adopt a deliberate approach to its proposed changes concerning customer service that encourages public input, follows a transparent communication plan, and allocates a reasonable timeframe for compliance.”
Currently, about 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive Social Security benefits. In light of these updates, Trump’s nominee for SSA leadership faced scrutiny at a confirmation hearing regarding initiatives by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, to reduce phone services and close field offices at the agency. Frank Bisignano, nominated to head SSA, was challenged over recent disruptions within the agency, bringing to focus the impact of DOGE’s cost-cutting measures on taxpayer services and their influence on social welfare programs.
Bisignano, a seasoned Wall Street executive and previous advocate for corporate policies combatting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, has been the chairman of Fiserv, a fintech firm, since 2020. In a February interview, he described himself as fundamentally aligned with DOGE but clarified that “the objective isn’t to touch benefits.” When questioned during the hearing about possible Social Security privatization, Bisignano remarked, “I’ve never heard a word of it, and I’ve never thought about it.”