Confirmation needed: New Social Security rule could impact how you access your benefits
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Attention, GrayViners! As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, it's crucial to stay informed about changes that could affect our hard-earned benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant update to its identity verification procedures that demands our immediate attention and action.
Starting March 31, the SSA will implement “stronger identity verification procedures” to combat fraudulent claims and ensure the security of Social Security records.
This change marks a departure from the previous reliance on phone calls for identity verification, requiring millions of recipients and applicants to either confirm their identity online or make a trip to their local Social Security office.
The SSA's decision to enhance its identity verification process stems from a commitment to protect Americans' Social Security records with the highest level of integrity and vigilance. This policy will be implemented over the next two weeks.
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, said. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”
If you're among the many who do not have access to a “My Social Security” account, which requires online identity proofing, you'll need to visit a local SSA office to verify your identity in person.
This is a critical step for those seeking services, as the SSA will no longer finalize claims over the phone without in-person verification.
For those with online access, the SSA is also expediting the processing of direct deposit requests to one business day, a significant improvement from the previous 30-day hold for online changes.
The SSA is taking a careful approach to this transition, with a two-week plan that includes training for frontline employees and management on the new safeguards.
During this period, the agency will closely monitor policy compliance to ensure a smooth rollout.
If you need to start a claim for benefits and cannot use the online services, you can still initiate the process over the phone. However, you'll need to schedule an in-person appointment at an SSA field office to complete the claim.
The SSA recommends calling ahead to request an appointment, which could allow you to initiate and complete the claim in one interaction.
Despite having an appointment, you would still need to prove your identity prior to beginning a transaction, said the SSA.
You might be interested: Backtracked: Government agency reverses course on service cutbacks following media report
To support the new verification requirements, SSA employees, including frontline workers, have been instructed to work in the office five days a week. This policy aims to “ensure that maximum staffing is available to assist with the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.”
In an interview with Fox Business’ Larry Kudlow last week, Elon Musk discussed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he serves as the unofficial leader.
He revealed that the department has been tasked with hiring 100 people to expand and oversee operations across nearly every government agency, while also alleging fraud within multiple agencies, including the SSA.
“What we’re adding here is caring and competence,” Musk stated during the interview. He went on to claim that “there’s a massive amount of fraud” involving people submitting Social Security numbers to access benefits they aren’t entitled to.
“Basically, people [are] submitting Social Security numbers for Social Security benefits, unemployment, Small Business Administration loans, and medical... those are fake Social Security numbers or they’ve stolen somebody else’s Social Security number. We’re trying to put a stop to all of that.”
Source: WGRZ-TV / Youtube.
Musk’s allegations of widespread fraud were reinforced by former President Donald Trump during his address to Congress this month, despite the claims having been widely debunked.
“I’m not going to touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Now, we’re going to get fraud out of there,” Trump stated earlier this month on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” He added, “Everybody wants us to get the fraud out, and therefore you’ll make it better.”
Read next: Revealed: The leaked memo that could transform your Social Security claims process
Have you experienced any challenges with Social Security services recently? Do you have tips for navigating these new procedures? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant update to its identity verification procedures that demands our immediate attention and action.
Starting March 31, the SSA will implement “stronger identity verification procedures” to combat fraudulent claims and ensure the security of Social Security records.
This change marks a departure from the previous reliance on phone calls for identity verification, requiring millions of recipients and applicants to either confirm their identity online or make a trip to their local Social Security office.
The SSA's decision to enhance its identity verification process stems from a commitment to protect Americans' Social Security records with the highest level of integrity and vigilance. This policy will be implemented over the next two weeks.
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, said. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing stronger identity verification procedures, including in-person visits to field offices. Image source: WGRZ-TV / Youtube.
If you're among the many who do not have access to a “My Social Security” account, which requires online identity proofing, you'll need to visit a local SSA office to verify your identity in person.
This is a critical step for those seeking services, as the SSA will no longer finalize claims over the phone without in-person verification.
For those with online access, the SSA is also expediting the processing of direct deposit requests to one business day, a significant improvement from the previous 30-day hold for online changes.
The SSA is taking a careful approach to this transition, with a two-week plan that includes training for frontline employees and management on the new safeguards.
During this period, the agency will closely monitor policy compliance to ensure a smooth rollout.
If you need to start a claim for benefits and cannot use the online services, you can still initiate the process over the phone. However, you'll need to schedule an in-person appointment at an SSA field office to complete the claim.
The SSA recommends calling ahead to request an appointment, which could allow you to initiate and complete the claim in one interaction.
Despite having an appointment, you would still need to prove your identity prior to beginning a transaction, said the SSA.
You might be interested: Backtracked: Government agency reverses course on service cutbacks following media report
To support the new verification requirements, SSA employees, including frontline workers, have been instructed to work in the office five days a week. This policy aims to “ensure that maximum staffing is available to assist with the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.”
In an interview with Fox Business’ Larry Kudlow last week, Elon Musk discussed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he serves as the unofficial leader.
This new policy is aimed at better protecting against fraudulent claims and will impact those without access to online services. Image source: WGRZ-TV / Youtube.
He revealed that the department has been tasked with hiring 100 people to expand and oversee operations across nearly every government agency, while also alleging fraud within multiple agencies, including the SSA.
“What we’re adding here is caring and competence,” Musk stated during the interview. He went on to claim that “there’s a massive amount of fraud” involving people submitting Social Security numbers to access benefits they aren’t entitled to.
“Basically, people [are] submitting Social Security numbers for Social Security benefits, unemployment, Small Business Administration loans, and medical... those are fake Social Security numbers or they’ve stolen somebody else’s Social Security number. We’re trying to put a stop to all of that.”
Source: WGRZ-TV / Youtube.
Musk’s allegations of widespread fraud were reinforced by former President Donald Trump during his address to Congress this month, despite the claims having been widely debunked.
“I’m not going to touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Now, we’re going to get fraud out of there,” Trump stated earlier this month on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” He added, “Everybody wants us to get the fraud out, and therefore you’ll make it better.”
Read next: Revealed: The leaked memo that could transform your Social Security claims process
Have you experienced any challenges with Social Security services recently? Do you have tips for navigating these new procedures? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
