WASHINGTON -- In an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures that will require millions of recipients and applicants to visit agency field offices rather than interact with the agency over the phone. Beginning March 31, 2025, people will no longer be able to verify their identity to the SSA over the phone. Those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency's "my Social Security" online service will have to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process, agency leadership told reporters Tuesday.
The change will apply to new Social Security applicants and existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information. Retiree advocates are warning that this change will negatively impact older Americans in rural areas, including those with disabilities and mobility limitations, who live far from SSA offices and have limited internet access.
In addition, the agency plans to expedite processing of recipients' direct deposit change requests to one business day. Previously, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days. "The Social Security Administration is losing over $100 million a year in direct deposit fraud," Leland Dudek, the agency's acting commissioner, said on a Tuesday evening call with reporters - his first call with the media. "Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service." Dudek highlighted that a key problem in eliminating fraudulent claims is that "the information that we use through knowledge-based authentication is already in the public domain." "This is a common-sense measure."
More than 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive retirement and disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. Connecticut Rep. John Larson, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, released a statement asserting that "by requiring seniors and disabled Americans to enroll online or in person at the same field offices they are trying to close, Trump and Musk are trying to create chaos and inefficiencies at SSA so they can privatize the system." The DOGE website reported that leases for 47 Social Security field offices across the country have been or will be ended.
Despite these closures, Dudek downplayed the impact of the office closings, saying many were small remote hearing sites that served few members of the public. Many Americans are concerned that SSA office closures and massive layoffs of federal workers - part of an effort by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to shrink the size of the federal government - will make it increasingly difficult to access benefits.
Musk has previously expressed controversial views about Social Security, suggesting that federal benefit programs are rife with fraud, and termed the program a "Ponzi scheme." Critics warn that the administration's policies could target Social Security as part of a broader agenda to reduce government spending. Voters concerned about these changes have flooded town halls across the nation to question Republican lawmakers about the administration's cuts, including plans for the old-age benefits program.
Amid rising tensions, a group of labor unions filed a lawsuit last week, seeking a federal court order to stop DOGE from accessing the sensitive Social Security data of millions of Americans. They argue these measures compromise personal security and privacy.
The implementation of the new identity verification procedures has been confirmed by SSA leadership, significantly impacting the landscape of Social Security services. "Over the next two weeks, SSA will carefully transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes," the agency said in a press release issued on March 18, 2025.
Individuals who cannot use their personal "my Social Security" account, which requires online identity proofing, will then need to visit a local Social Security office in person to verify their identity. The memo from the agency outlined expectations that an estimated additional 75,000 to 85,000 people will need to visit field offices every week to have their information checked and processed.
Dudek emphasized that Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance. He stated, "For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity." He further asserted, "Americans can better protect Social Security while expediting service."
As the agency initiates the transition period, concerns linger among professionals and advocates regarding the potential ramifications of these significant disabilities imposed on such a vital program. Larson voiced his concerns, indicating that this change is part of a deliberate campaign to undermine Social Security systems in favor of privatization.
Overall, the SSA is under scrutiny for its plans that could considerably shift how Americans receive their much-needed benefits amid an era of significant administrative changes. The potential disruptions to services and impacts on those who rely on Social Security are being closely monitored as the country moves forward.
