Changes at Social Security: What recent updates could mean for your benefits
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If you’ve recently applied for Social Security benefits or are planning to, you may have heard about some changes.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has revised a policy aimed at reducing fraud in benefit applications—one that initially raised questions among seniors and disability advocates.
The agency has since made adjustments to improve service and reduce delays.
So, what was the original policy, and what does this mean for your benefits today?
The original policy was introduced in March and supported by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency.
It included a three-day hold on new retirement benefit applications to allow time for fraud checks.
The SSA also considered limiting the use of phone applications, explaining that identity verification was harder by phone.
Instead, people would have needed to use the online “my Social Security” portal or visit a field office.
The policy also paused the ability to update direct deposit information by phone.
These changes caused concern for many older adults and people with disabilities—particularly those without internet access or who live far from an SSA office.
Phone lines and field offices quickly became overwhelmed with questions.
After hearing concerns from the public, the SSA scaled back the policy.
The agency will stop placing a three-day hold on retirement benefit applications for fraud checks, according to an internal email obtained by CNN.
Fraud checks were limited to phone applications for retirement, survivor, or family benefits, and only claims flagged by the agency’s algorithm would require further verification in person.
A Social Security spokesperson said, "We continue to refine the anti-fraud algorithm to flag only the claims with the highest probability of fraud. Continuous improvements will ensure timely processing of claims while protecting beneficiaries from fraud."
Internal documents obtained by Nextgov/FCW revealed that of more than 110,000 reviewed claims, only two were found to have a high likelihood of fraud.
Fewer than 1% were flagged at all.
While rare, the review process led to a 25% slowdown in processing retirement claims and caused a decline in customer service.
"It created a problem in customer service where one didn’t exist, and it didn’t do anything to prevent fraud," said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Even as the policy was being revised, another challenge was growing: a backlog of pending retirement claims.
As of mid-May, nearly 575,000 claims were pending, with around 140,000 waiting more than 60 days.
That’s up from fewer than 350,000 pending claims in September 2023, according to SSA data.
In an email to SSA employees, Deputy Commissioner Stephen Evangelista said the agency is seeing record applications this year due to several factors:
Evangelista asked SSA employees to "do their very best" to increase the number of processed retirement claims by 10% daily through the end of May.
He called it a "sprint" to help reduce the growing backlog.
The internal message wasn’t well received by some SSA workers.
"Employees find it to be another sign of disrespect from an out-of-touch agency leadership," said Joel Smith, president of AFGE Local 3184, a union representing workers across nearly 100 SSA field offices.
"Workers weren’t looking for another demotivational email from an agency leadership that cut their telework, encouraged them to quit, and created an unnecessary backlog," he said.
To ease the pressure, SSA has reassigned about 1,000 staff from headquarters and regional offices to help in the field.
But training takes time, and many offices are still short-staffed.
If you’re applying for Social Security—or already receiving benefits—keep the following in mind:
The SSA revised its anti-fraud policy to be more targeted and less disruptive after hearing from the public.
While only a small number of cases showed signs of fraud, the agency is working to process claims more efficiently amid staffing changes and high demand.
If you plan to file soon, applying early and staying informed can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Read next: Protect your retirement! Beware of these 6 Social Security scams on the rise in 2025
Have you experienced delays or confusion with your Social Security benefits recently? Do you have tips for navigating the application process, or questions about how to stay safe from fraud and scams? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your story could help others stay informed, prepared, and protected.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has revised a policy aimed at reducing fraud in benefit applications—one that initially raised questions among seniors and disability advocates.
The agency has since made adjustments to improve service and reduce delays.
So, what was the original policy, and what does this mean for your benefits today?
The original policy was introduced in March and supported by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency.
It included a three-day hold on new retirement benefit applications to allow time for fraud checks.
The SSA also considered limiting the use of phone applications, explaining that identity verification was harder by phone.
Instead, people would have needed to use the online “my Social Security” portal or visit a field office.
The policy also paused the ability to update direct deposit information by phone.
These changes caused concern for many older adults and people with disabilities—particularly those without internet access or who live far from an SSA office.
Phone lines and field offices quickly became overwhelmed with questions.
The Social Security Administration continues to process benefits for millions of Americans while responding to policy changes and increasing demand. Image Source: YouTube / 13News Now.
Why did the SSA revise the policy?
After hearing concerns from the public, the SSA scaled back the policy.
The agency will stop placing a three-day hold on retirement benefit applications for fraud checks, according to an internal email obtained by CNN.
Fraud checks were limited to phone applications for retirement, survivor, or family benefits, and only claims flagged by the agency’s algorithm would require further verification in person.
A Social Security spokesperson said, "We continue to refine the anti-fraud algorithm to flag only the claims with the highest probability of fraud. Continuous improvements will ensure timely processing of claims while protecting beneficiaries from fraud."
Internal documents obtained by Nextgov/FCW revealed that of more than 110,000 reviewed claims, only two were found to have a high likelihood of fraud.
Fewer than 1% were flagged at all.
While rare, the review process led to a 25% slowdown in processing retirement claims and caused a decline in customer service.
"It created a problem in customer service where one didn’t exist, and it didn’t do anything to prevent fraud," said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Also read: New Social Security feature could save you time—but there’s a catch
Another issue: the growing claims backlog
Even as the policy was being revised, another challenge was growing: a backlog of pending retirement claims.
As of mid-May, nearly 575,000 claims were pending, with around 140,000 waiting more than 60 days.
That’s up from fewer than 350,000 pending claims in September 2023, according to SSA data.
In an email to SSA employees, Deputy Commissioner Stephen Evangelista said the agency is seeing record applications this year due to several factors:
- A surge in Baby Boomers reaching retirement age
- New laws expanding benefits for nearly 3 million federal, state, and local workers
- Staffing reductions, with about 7,000 workers (12% of the workforce) leaving through retirements, buyouts, or other incentives
Evangelista asked SSA employees to "do their very best" to increase the number of processed retirement claims by 10% daily through the end of May.
He called it a "sprint" to help reduce the growing backlog.
Also read: Will your Social Security checks get bigger? The truth behind the GOP tax bill
Workers push back on pressure
The internal message wasn’t well received by some SSA workers.
"Employees find it to be another sign of disrespect from an out-of-touch agency leadership," said Joel Smith, president of AFGE Local 3184, a union representing workers across nearly 100 SSA field offices.
"Workers weren’t looking for another demotivational email from an agency leadership that cut their telework, encouraged them to quit, and created an unnecessary backlog," he said.
To ease the pressure, SSA has reassigned about 1,000 staff from headquarters and regional offices to help in the field.
But training takes time, and many offices are still short-staffed.
What you need to know
If you’re applying for Social Security—or already receiving benefits—keep the following in mind:
- Phone applications are available again: You can apply or update your information by phone. If your claim is flagged, you may be asked to verify your identity in person.
- Processing may take longer: Due to the backlog and reduced staff, delays are still possible.
- Stay alert for scams: SSA will never call to ask for payment or personal information. If something feels off, hang up and call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Also read: Could tariffs boost or shrink your Social Security COLA?
Tips to stay safe and prepared
- Set up a "my Social Security" account: Even if you prefer in-person or phone services, it helps to monitor your benefits and check for activity.
- Keep your contact information updated: Make sure SSA has your correct address, phone number, and bank details.
- Report suspicious messages: If you get a strange call, email, or letter claiming to be from SSA, report it immediately.
The SSA revised its anti-fraud policy to be more targeted and less disruptive after hearing from the public.
While only a small number of cases showed signs of fraud, the agency is working to process claims more efficiently amid staffing changes and high demand.
If you plan to file soon, applying early and staying informed can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Read next: Protect your retirement! Beware of these 6 Social Security scams on the rise in 2025
Have you experienced delays or confusion with your Social Security benefits recently? Do you have tips for navigating the application process, or questions about how to stay safe from fraud and scams? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your story could help others stay informed, prepared, and protected.
