Starting next week, millions of Americans—especially seniors—could face challenges accessing their Social Security benefits due to new identity verification rules. The changes, began on April 14, are aimed at reducing fraud, but critics argue that they could place an undue burden on vulnerable groups such as older adults and those without easy access to the internet.
What’s changing and why It matters
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer allow over-the-phone identity verification for certain services. According to the agency, the change is designed to reduce fraud and ensure that benefits are better protected. However, the new rules are causing concern among advocates, who warn that older adults, people with disabilities, and those without reliable internet may have trouble meeting the new requirements.
The changes will impact individuals applying for benefits or making changes to their direct deposit information. If they cannot verify their identity online using the SSA’s “My Social Security” portal, they will need to visit a local field office in person. However, the new requirement does not apply to individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare.
Long distances and limited mobility could make It harder for seniors
The new in-person verification requirement could be particularly difficult for older adults who cannot drive or have physical limitations that make it hard to travel. A report from the Centre on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) highlights that over 6 million seniors lack access to a car, and nearly 8 million report mobility issues that make leaving home a challenge. Here’s how travel distances to Social Security offices could affect beneficiaries:
| State | % of Seniors Facing Long Travel | Distance to Nearest SSA Office |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 65% | 45+ miles |
| Alaska | 50% | 45+ miles |
| North Dakota | High | Over 180 miles round trip |
| California | 3% | Shorter distances, more offices |
| New York | 3% | Shorter distances, more offices |
As you can see, states like Wyoming and North Dakota have extremely long distances to the nearest Social Security office, making in-person visits difficult for many seniors. On the other hand, more urbanized states, like California and New York, have fewer issues due to a higher number of field offices.
Why the changes matter for survivor benefits and families
In addition to applying for Social Security benefits, many people, including surviving family members, use the phone to manage survivor benefits. Since these benefits cannot be applied for online, the new in-person verification rules will force grieving families to travel to a Social Security office, potentially adding to their emotional and logistical burdens.
The SSA has responded to criticism, clarifying that phone services are not being eliminated altogether. In a statement, a spokesperson assured that the agency’s 40,000 staff members are committed to ensuring that benefits remain accessible to all Americans. The SSA also emphasized that they are working to improve service by returning employees to field offices full-time and upgrading phone systems.
While the SSA insists that these changes are necessary to reduce fraud, it’s clear that many Social Security beneficiaries will face obstacles in accessing their benefits. For seniors and those with disabilities, the new requirements could create barriers that make it harder to navigate the system.
If you are a Social Security beneficiary or have family members who are, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the new verification process. If you can, make use of the “My Social Security” portal to verify your identity online to avoid the need for an in-person visit. If not, make sure to plan ahead for the possibility of long travel distances and in-person verification.