The Social Security Administration (SSA) is introducing stricter identity verification rules to prevent fraud. Starting March 31, people will no longer be able to confirm their identity over the phone. If someone cannot verify their identity through the “my Social Security” online service, they will have to visit an SSA office in person.
This new rule applies to new Social Security applicants and existing beneficiaries who need to update their direct deposit information.
Concerns About the New Rules
Many advocates worry that these changes will make life harder for older Americans, especially those in rural areas. Seniors, people with disabilities, and those without reliable internet access may struggle to visit an SSA office in person.
At the same time, the SSA is planning to close dozens of offices and lay off thousands of workers. This could lead to longer wait times and reduced services for those who rely on Social Security.
Why the Change?
SSA’s acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, explained that the agency loses over $100 million every year due to fraud in direct deposit payments. He said that the current system, which relies on knowledge-based authentication, is too weak because personal information is already available online.
Dudek believes these new in-person rules will better protect Social Security funds and speed up services. Under the new system, direct deposit changes will now be processed in one business day, compared to the previous 30-day wait for online changes.
Political Backlash
Not everyone supports these changes. Congressman John Larson, a Democrat from Connecticut, criticized the move. He argued that forcing people to verify their identity online or at SSA offices while also closing many of those same offices will create more confusion and inefficiency.
He accused the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of trying to make the SSA fail so they can privatize the system.
The DOGE agency has already terminated leases for 47 SSA offices across states like Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina. However, Dudek downplayed the impact, claiming most of these locations were small hearing sites with low public traffic.
Concerns Over SSA Closures and Job Cuts
Many Americans are worried that closing SSA offices and laying off federal workers will make it even harder to access their benefits.
Elon Musk has criticized Social Security, calling it a “Ponzi scheme” and saying it is full of fraud. His agency, DOGE, is working to reduce government spending, but critics fear this could harm millions of Social Security recipients.
As a result, Republican lawmakers are facing tough questions from voters at town halls about these cuts. Meanwhile, labor unions have taken legal action, asking a court to block DOGE from accessing Social Security data.
With these changes set to take effect soon, many Americans remain uncertain about what the future holds for Social Security.
