Are your Social Security messages changing? Here’s what you need to know.
- Replies 3
In the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology, it's crucial to stay informed about how vital information reaches you, especially when it pertains to Social Security benefits.
Recently, there's been a buzz of confusion and concern over how the Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to communicate with the public.
Let's unravel the tangled threads of this story and clarify what's really happening.
The Heart of the Matter: Social Security Communication
The SSA is a lifeline for approximately 70 million Americans each month, distributing benefits that many rely on for their livelihood.
With such a vast number of citizens depending on timely and accurate information, any change in the SSA's communication methods is bound to raise eyebrows—and questions.
Rumors and Clarifications
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has refuted claims that it plans to shift all public communications solely to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
In recent years, the agency has experienced several organizational shifts, particularly after it was placed under the oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Traditionally, the SSA shares updates through multiple channels—its website, "Dear Colleague" letters, press releases, blogs, and newsletters. Beneficiaries also receive notifications via their My Social Security online accounts.
Despite this, Wired reported last week that SSA regional commissioner Linda Kerr-Davis told managers during a meeting, “We are no longer planning to issue press releases or those Dear Colleague letters to inform the media and public about programmatic and service changes. Instead, the agency will be using X to communicate to the press and the public…so this will become our communication mechanism.”
Source: @SocialSecurity / X.
In response to the article, the Social Security Administration (SSA) posted on X, stating, “This is false. Social Security will continue to communicate through any and all mediums.”
Also read: You spoke, they listened–Social Security revises policy following public pushback
When Newsweek sought clarification on the quote from Kerr-Davis, an SSA spokesperson reiterated the same response. The White House also dismissed the claims made in the report.
Just last week, the agency used X to announce a partial reversal of a recent policy change concerning identity verification for new benefit applicants.
Source: @SocialSecurity / X.
Initially unveiled in March and set to take effect on April 14, the policy required individuals applying for retirement, survivor, or auxiliary benefits—including those for spouses or children—to complete in-person identity verification at a Social Security field office if they were unable to use the My Social Security online platform.
On April 9, the SSA posted on social media: “Beginning on April 14, #SocialSecurity will perform an anti-fraud check on all claims filed over the telephone and flag claims that have fraud risk indicators.”
A more detailed press release followed on April 12, clarifying that new applicants will not be required to go to an office in person for identity checks—unless their claims are flagged for further review—if they cannot verify their identity over the phone.
However, the SSA has not issued any similar public statement or website update addressing the reported changes to its communication practices as described by Wired.
The agency has a history of issuing clarifying press releases to address confusion or inaccuracies in media coverage, such as those related to office closures or changes in telephone services.
So far, the SSA has not given any further information on the alleged communications change.
Read next: New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
Have you experienced any confusion regarding Social Security communications? Do you prefer receiving updates through traditional methods or social media platforms? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Recently, there's been a buzz of confusion and concern over how the Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to communicate with the public.
Let's unravel the tangled threads of this story and clarify what's really happening.
The Heart of the Matter: Social Security Communication
The SSA is a lifeline for approximately 70 million Americans each month, distributing benefits that many rely on for their livelihood.
With such a vast number of citizens depending on timely and accurate information, any change in the SSA's communication methods is bound to raise eyebrows—and questions.
Rumors and Clarifications
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has refuted claims that it plans to shift all public communications solely to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
In recent years, the agency has experienced several organizational shifts, particularly after it was placed under the oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during Donald Trump’s presidency.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has denied it is moving its public communications exclusively to a platform formerly known as Twitter, after reports suggested otherwise. Image source: Julian Christ / Unsplash.
Traditionally, the SSA shares updates through multiple channels—its website, "Dear Colleague" letters, press releases, blogs, and newsletters. Beneficiaries also receive notifications via their My Social Security online accounts.
Despite this, Wired reported last week that SSA regional commissioner Linda Kerr-Davis told managers during a meeting, “We are no longer planning to issue press releases or those Dear Colleague letters to inform the media and public about programmatic and service changes. Instead, the agency will be using X to communicate to the press and the public…so this will become our communication mechanism.”
Source: @SocialSecurity / X.
In response to the article, the Social Security Administration (SSA) posted on X, stating, “This is false. Social Security will continue to communicate through any and all mediums.”
Also read: You spoke, they listened–Social Security revises policy following public pushback
When Newsweek sought clarification on the quote from Kerr-Davis, an SSA spokesperson reiterated the same response. The White House also dismissed the claims made in the report.
Just last week, the agency used X to announce a partial reversal of a recent policy change concerning identity verification for new benefit applicants.
Source: @SocialSecurity / X.
Initially unveiled in March and set to take effect on April 14, the policy required individuals applying for retirement, survivor, or auxiliary benefits—including those for spouses or children—to complete in-person identity verification at a Social Security field office if they were unable to use the My Social Security online platform.
On April 9, the SSA posted on social media: “Beginning on April 14, #SocialSecurity will perform an anti-fraud check on all claims filed over the telephone and flag claims that have fraud risk indicators.”
A more detailed press release followed on April 12, clarifying that new applicants will not be required to go to an office in person for identity checks—unless their claims are flagged for further review—if they cannot verify their identity over the phone.
However, the SSA has not issued any similar public statement or website update addressing the reported changes to its communication practices as described by Wired.
The agency has a history of issuing clarifying press releases to address confusion or inaccuracies in media coverage, such as those related to office closures or changes in telephone services.
So far, the SSA has not given any further information on the alleged communications change.
Read next: New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
Have you experienced any confusion regarding Social Security communications? Do you prefer receiving updates through traditional methods or social media platforms? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
