New SSA Identity Rules Spark Outrage Amid Fraud Prevention Efforts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Tuesday that starting March 31, it will implement stricter identity verification measures that will require millions of benefit recipients and applicants to prove their identity in person at agency field offices, a move anticipated to significantly alter how millions interact with the agency in an effort to combat fraudulent claims.

The shift means individuals will no longer have the option to verify their identity over the phone. Those unable to complete the verification process online will be required to visit a local SSA office to confirm their identity before obtaining benefits or making changes to direct deposit information.

“Social Security is losing over $100 million a year due to direct deposit fraud,” said Leland Dudek, the SSA’s acting commissioner, during a media call. “These measures will make it more difficult for fraudsters to exploit the system while speeding up our service to beneficiaries.”

However, this change has raised concerns, particularly among retiree advocates, who warn that it may disproportionately impact older Americans, especially those living in rural areas without easy access to SSA offices. Critics argue that this requirement could create significant barriers for individuals with disabilities, mobility issues, or limited internet access.

Connecticut Rep. John Larson, a leading Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, condemned the measures. “By forcing seniors and disabled Americans to visit offices that are being closed rather than allowing them to verify their identity over the phone, this administration is creating chaos and inefficiencies at the SSA,” Larson stated.

The announcement comes amidst plans by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to close various SSA offices across the country and lay off thousands of workers, a strategy that has raised further alarm about the accessibility of benefits.

The SSA also revealed it would expedite the process for changing direct deposit information to one business day for both in-person and online requests, a significant reduction from the previous holding period of 30 days.

Despite these assurances, many Americans fear that the agency’s staffing cuts and office closures will make it increasingly difficult to access necessary services and benefits. “The SSA is already stretched thin, and these changes on top of that will create a perfect storm of complications for beneficiaries,” said Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

The agency has indicated that the in-person verification requirement will not affect new applications initiated by phone for those who can manage to reach an SSA office or who are capable of online verification. However, officials acknowledge that it is likely to add a substantial burden, with estimates suggesting as many as 85,000 individuals may need to visit offices weekly for identity verification.

The new verification process begins at a time of heightened scrutiny over the SSA’s operational changes amid criticism from various labor groups and advocacy organizations who are concerned about the administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline federal services, often interpreted as a drive toward privatization.

As protests unfolded outside the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, where a hearing about DOGE’s access to Social Security data was set, attendees voiced their frustrations about how these new identity measures could ultimately hinder access to crucial benefits.

“Cutting services while imposing extra hurdles is a step in the wrong direction,” a protestor stated. “This isn’t just a matter of process; it’s about people’s livelihoods.”

The SSA aims to transition to these new verification procedures effectively and has committed to training its staff over the next two weeks while closely monitoring compliance before the enforcement starts.