Millions of Americans will soon have to visit local Social Security offices in person instead of verifying their identity over the phone. The agency hopes these measures will prevent fraudulent claims, but some observers worry they may create additional barriers for older adults and people with disabilities.
Starting March 31, individuals who need to update or create new Social Security benefits will no longer be able to confirm their identity by phone. Those who cannot verify through the agency’s online service, “my Social Security,” will have to complete the process at a field office. This new rule affects both first-time applicants and existing recipients seeking to change direct deposit details.
Retiree advocates caution that the new system could be challenging for people living in rural areas or with mobility limitations. After all, what happens if your nearest Social Security office is hours away? Nevertheless, officials believe these face-to-face checks will help reduce errors and block unauthorized changes.
Learn how these stricter identity checks aim to combat fraudulent claims nationwide
Agency leaders point to a troubling statistic: approximately $100 million are lost each year due to direct deposit fraud. To address this, the Social Security Administration plans to process direct deposit change requests in just one business day, whether done online or in person. Previously, online requests were held for 30 days as a security measure.
Some critics, including Rep. John Larson of Connecticut, argue that requiring personal visits at offices slated for closure could create confusion. Reports indicate that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) intends to close or has already closed 47 Social Security offices around the country. There are also ongoing discussions about laying off thousands of workers, which some fear might strain an already overburdened system.
Understanding the impact of office closures and why many Americans are concerned
Over 72.5 million people currently rely on Social Security for retirement or disability benefits. Many voters have recently questioned Republican lawmakers about these office closures and job cuts, expressing concerns about long travel times and reduced access to in-person assistance. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s push to shrink the federal government could affect how quickly recipients can resolve issues or enroll in new services.
A group of labor unions has already filed a lawsuit seeking to block DOGE from accessing sensitive Social Security data. The unions warn that these actions may undermine public trust and increase processing delays. Below is a brief overview of the upcoming changes and key dates:
| Key Change | Effective Date | Impact on Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| In-person identity verification | March 31 | Affects new applicants and those changing direct deposit |
| Speedy direct deposit processing | March 31 | Requests handled within one business day |
| Possible local SSA office closures | Ongoing | May require more travel for rural residents |
Many believe the final outcome will depend on how quickly the SSA can adapt to these changes. Will officials find a way to balance fraud prevention with convenient access to essential services? Only time will tell.