Social Security Administration Relaxes ID Verification Rules After Backlash From Lawmakers And Advocates

The Social Security Administration has announced changes to its identity verification requirements following criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups. The new rules, which were initially set to take effect on March 31, have been revised to make it easier for certain beneficiaries to verify their identity without visiting a Social Security office in person.

Key Changes to Identity Verification Requirements

The SSA announced last week that starting April 14, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income who cannot use a personal my Social Security account will be able to complete their applications over the phone. This change aims to accommodate vulnerable populations and improve customer service.

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"We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country's most vulnerable populations," SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek said in a statement. He added that the agency is also extending the policy's effective date to allow time for employee training on the new procedures.

Who Still Needs to Verify Their Identity in Person?

While the updated policy makes it easier for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants to complete their claims without visiting an office, other beneficiaries will still need to verify their identity in person if they are unable to do so online. This includes individuals applying for:

• Retirement benefits
• Survivor benefits
• Auxiliary benefits (for a spouse or child)

However, the SSA said that in extreme cases — such as terminal illness or a prisoner pre-release scenario — the in-person requirement may be waived with proper documentation and management approval.

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Pressure From Lawmakers and Advocacy Groups

The policy adjustments come after widespread criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups of the SSA's initial announcement to remove the capability for over-the-phone identity verification altogether. This would have required millions of beneficiaries to verify their identity in person. Critics argued that this would have created unnecessary barriers for vulnerable populations, including older Americans and people with disabilities.

AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer,Nancy LeaMond welcomed the SSA's revised policy but said more work remains. "Merely delaying the implementation of this change is not enough," LeaMond said in a statement. "SSA should take a deliberate approach to its proposed changes to customer service that seeks public input, follows a clear communication plan, and allows a reasonable timeframe for compliance."

Efforts to Combat Fraud and Improve Security

The updated identity verification policy is part of the SSA's broader effort to prevent fraud and improve security. The agency plans to implement the Department of Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service's Account Verification Service, which provides instant bank verification to reduce the risk of fraudulent direct deposit changes.

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To support the stronger identity verification measures, the SSA has also required nearly all employees, including frontline staff, to return to working in offices five days a week. The agency says this will improve customer service and help enforce the updated policies.

What This Means for Beneficiaries

For most beneficiaries, the revised rules should make it easier to access benefits without the need for an office visit. However, individuals applying for retirement or survivor benefits or those changing direct deposit information may still need to visit a Social Security office if they are unable to verify their identity online.

The SSA emphasized that it will continue to monitor the impact of the new policies and adjust them as needed to balance security with accessibility. 

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