CNN
–
The Social Security Administration will require people to submit benefits applications to those who are unable to visit their online identity online to complete their claims in order to combat fraud, the agency announced Tuesday.
This, along with another new rule that prohibits beneficiaries from changing their bank account information over the phone, can send millions of people to agents' offices, and force them to wait longer for payments when they are shrinking staff.
The move comes as Elon Musk's government efficiency representatives focus on alleged fraud within the agency. The new ID verification process will take effect on March 31st, and bank account rules will begin on March 29th.
People can continue to apply for benefits and change their bank account information through their “My Social Security” online account.
“Americans deserve to protect their Social Security records with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Social Security Deputy Commissioner Lee Dudeck said in a statement. “For too long, agents have used outdated methods to prove their identity.”
Over 73 million people, including retirees, disabled people, and others, receive monthly Social Security benefits.
According to a memo to Deputy Vice Commissioner Dudek, mandating more in-person identity verification will increase the number of visitors to the agency's field office between 75,000 and 85,000 per week. There will also be longer call latency and application processing delays, the note states: Popularity informationNews Sacak Site.
The new rules reduce the risk of fraud and inappropriate payments, but a memo sent last week said. It can also increase the costs of proof of personal information services and have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.
He said he needed to visit the field office each year to apply for benefits, renew his bank account and implement other businesses, citing the agency's estimates, said Kathleen Romigg, director of the Center for Social Security and Disability on Budget and Policy Priorities.
“The changes will significantly slow down access to benefits you earn,” said Romigg, who worked for Social Security during the Biden administration. “It will especially be a burden on seniors, people with disabilities who struggle with online services, and people whose limited credit history means they cannot use commercial authentication tools.”
On average, it takes more than two hours to get an appointment at the field office, and it takes more than a month to receive a call from your agency's 800.
“It's not like that [bad] Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley said if he hadn't closed his field office and reduced the number of staff there to see people in person, “And I think it's a bigger issue here.”
The new rules come as agencies aim to abandon about 7,000 workers and closed offices as part of the Trump administration's willingness to reduce the federal government. Already, the number of people applying for benefits and receiving benefits when the baby boomer generation begins resigning has increased, but Social Security is already operating at a staffing level lower for decades.
