New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
- Replies 1
As we sail through the ever-changing waters of Social Security, a new change has appeared on the horizon.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), which delivers benefits to some 70 million Americans each month, has announced an upcoming new policy.
This isn't just any change–it's a major shift in how claims are filed, and it could very well chart the course for your future dealings with the SSA.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced a new anti-fraud measure for individuals filing claims by phone.
Why This Is Important
The SSA—responsible for distributing monthly benefits to roughly 70 million Americans—has recently come under fire for a now-reversed policy that would have blocked millions of recipients from verifying their identities by phone.
Previously, the agency stated that all new claims and direct deposit updates would require in-person visits for those unable to use its online identity verification system.
That rule was later amended to make exceptions for people enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income.
What’s New
The SSA has now clarified that beneficiaries will still be allowed to verify their identities over the phone.
"Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience," the SSA said in an April 12 press release.
The SSA stated that thanks to "enhanced technology," it can now monitor telephone claims for potential fraud by identifying unusual patterns or inconsistencies in a person’s account. If any red flags are detected, the individual may be asked to verify their identity in person before their claim can proceed.
This update comes amid efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—established under President Donald Trump—to cut down on what it views as unnecessary spending and fraudulent activity across federal agencies.
In earlier news: Backtracked: Government agency reverses course on service cutbacks following media report
From January 2013 to May 2018, scammers were able to reroute $33.5 million in Social Security payments from 20,878 beneficiaries by altering direct deposit details, according to audits conducted by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General.
"SSA has worked around the clock to develop and deploy these improvements, driven by the return of employees to full-time, in-office operations," the agency said.
Those who are already receiving benefits and do not need to make changes to their direct deposit details will not be required to complete identity verification.
"We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility. These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits." Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner of Social Security, stated.
Previously covered: Confirmation needed: New Social Security rule could impact how you access your benefits
"The Trump administration did not change the policy out of the goodness of their hearts. They responded to public pressure." said The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in an April 10 statement.
These policy changes are set to take effect on Monday, April 14.
Source: 10 Tampa Bay / Youtube.
Also read: Are you ready for the new rule changes? Here are the IDs you can use for Social Security!
Have you had experiences with Social Security that left you feeling adrift? Are you concerned about how these changes might affect you? We invite you to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
The Social Security Administration (SSA), which delivers benefits to some 70 million Americans each month, has announced an upcoming new policy.
This isn't just any change–it's a major shift in how claims are filed, and it could very well chart the course for your future dealings with the SSA.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced a new anti-fraud measure for individuals filing claims by phone.
Why This Is Important
The SSA—responsible for distributing monthly benefits to roughly 70 million Americans—has recently come under fire for a now-reversed policy that would have blocked millions of recipients from verifying their identities by phone.
Previously, the agency stated that all new claims and direct deposit updates would require in-person visits for those unable to use its online identity verification system.
That rule was later amended to make exceptions for people enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income.
The SSA has introduced a new fraud check system for telephone claims to increase security. Image source: Julian Hochgesang / Unsplash.
What’s New
The SSA has now clarified that beneficiaries will still be allowed to verify their identities over the phone.
"Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience," the SSA said in an April 12 press release.
The SSA stated that thanks to "enhanced technology," it can now monitor telephone claims for potential fraud by identifying unusual patterns or inconsistencies in a person’s account. If any red flags are detected, the individual may be asked to verify their identity in person before their claim can proceed.
This update comes amid efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—established under President Donald Trump—to cut down on what it views as unnecessary spending and fraudulent activity across federal agencies.
In earlier news: Backtracked: Government agency reverses course on service cutbacks following media report
From January 2013 to May 2018, scammers were able to reroute $33.5 million in Social Security payments from 20,878 beneficiaries by altering direct deposit details, according to audits conducted by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General.
"SSA has worked around the clock to develop and deploy these improvements, driven by the return of employees to full-time, in-office operations," the agency said.
All beneficiaries will be able to complete identity checks over the phone starting April 14, 2025, backed by enhanced technology to detect and prevent fraud. Image source: News4 (WOAI) San Antonio / Youtube.
Those who are already receiving benefits and do not need to make changes to their direct deposit details will not be required to complete identity verification.
"We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility. These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits." Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner of Social Security, stated.
Previously covered: Confirmation needed: New Social Security rule could impact how you access your benefits
"The Trump administration did not change the policy out of the goodness of their hearts. They responded to public pressure." said The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in an April 10 statement.
These policy changes are set to take effect on Monday, April 14.
Source: 10 Tampa Bay / Youtube.
Also read: Are you ready for the new rule changes? Here are the IDs you can use for Social Security!
Have you had experiences with Social Security that left you feeling adrift? Are you concerned about how these changes might affect you? We invite you to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
