'Even Missing One Monthly Benefit Would Put Me On Step To Homelessness': Americans React to Social Security's New Anti-Fraud Rules

As of April 14, the Social Security Administration rolled out new anti-fraud policies aimed at protecting beneficiaries, but the changes have left many Americans confused, anxious, and scrambling to verify their identity in person. For those who rely on Social Security as their primary source of income, the fear of missing even one payment is causing serious concern.

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What's Changing With Social Security's Anti-Fraud Efforts?

The SSA now uses enhanced technology to detect suspicious activity in phone-based applications for benefits. If a claim raises red flags, the individual will need to verify their identity in person at a local field office. In addition, beneficiaries can no longer change their direct deposit information by phone — a move the agency says is necessary due to high levels of fraud tied to those calls.

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The SSA has stated that about 40% of direct deposit fraud cases come from people calling in to change their bank details. Going forward, any changes must be made online through the "my Social Security" portal or in person at an SSA office.

"We are modernizing how we serve the public — enhancing both security and accessibility," Acting Commissioner of Social Security Leland Dudek said in a press release.

Many Beneficiaries Are Alarmed — and Taking Action

Despite the SSA's intention to make the process safer, many Americans misunderstood the changes. Some believed they had to verify their identity in person regardless of whether they were flagged for fraud. This led to long lines at field offices and overwhelmed phone lines.

Kevin Jochems, a 62-year-old cancer patient from Colorado, went to his local SSA office last month, fearing he might lose his only source of income if he didn't act. "Even missing one monthly benefit would put me on step to homelessness," Jochems told CNN. He was turned away without help and later disconnected while calling the agency's main phone line.

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Others, like 66-year-old Matt Koob in Florida, are worried about the impact these changes could have when they file for benefits in the near future. "They're telling people, ‘We will want you to do it in person, but we're not going to let you in the building,'" he told CNN.

Policy Reversals Added to the Confusion

Initially, the SSA announced it would stop taking phone applications for retirement and other benefits, requiring people to apply online or in person. That decision was met with backlash from advocates who said it would disproportionately affect older Americans who aren't tech-savvy or who have mobility issues.

After public concern and internal pushback, the SSA reversed course twice. Now, applications by phone remain available for all programs. Only those flagged for potential fraud must appear in person.

"Telephone remains a viable option to the public," the agency said on X.

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Advocates Call the Revisions a Win for Seniors

Groups like AARP applauded the updated guidance. "SSA's guarantee of phone access for claims is a win for older Americans," said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president at AARP.

But even with the reversals, not all SSA employees were brought up to speed in time. Union officials told CNN that SSA staff received new training videos just days before the rollout and had only hours to review them, leaving many unsure how to help confused beneficiaries.

Bottom Line

While the SSA's anti-fraud measures are designed to protect the integrity of the system, the rollout has revealed gaps in communication and support. For Americans living paycheck to paycheck, the fear of losing even one Social Security payment is real — and the agency's challenge now is to balance fraud prevention with accessibility and clarity.

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