Social Security Identity Verification: New Rules Retirees Must Know

In an effort to safeguard Social Security benefits against fraud, the SSA is launching more stringent identity verification methods. Although the intention of these new regulations is to heighten security, they have raised fears among advocacy groups, lawmakers, and Social Security recipients that the changes will create hurdles, especially for vulnerable populations.

Identity Verification

In an effort to combat fraud and secure the process of claiming benefits of Social Security, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is in the process of strengthening the identity verification paradigm. Henceforth, when any individual wants to access or change a Social Security account, he or she will be mandated to comply with stricter new procedures.

What changes are being made?

Lastly, anyone unable to verify their identity online must now verify their identity by appearing in person at an SSA office.

Any changes to direct deposit will take effect in one business day at the most, rather than the previous 30 days.

Now, there will be no identity verification through phone calls. For some transactions, identity must now be verified in person.

This, according to acting SSA Commissioner Lee Dudek, is to modernize the old and antiquated identity-verification system of the SSA.

Increasing concerns

However, although the SSA holds that these changes will be effective in preventing fraud, the new rules have drawn a lot of criticism. Many observers feel that the rules will cause problems especially for elderly beneficiaries.

The elderly citizens who may not have the benefit of internet facility or even in remote areas, it could be a difficult challenge to get in-person verification.

SSA offices are already overcrowded and now the requirement for in-person verifications is likely to further increase the waiting times and long queues at the offices.

The discontinuation of identity verification through phone may aggravate the situation for senior citizens in getting their regular problems resolved.

Nancy LeMond of the AARP organization further says that under the clutches of speed, many unnecessary pains would bother the elderly under the implemented changes made by the government. Besides, there is already a plan to close 47 SSA offices, which will add pressure to remaining offices.

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Clarifications for the Government

According to the SSA, these changes are absolutely crucial because the government loses $100 million each year due to deposit fraud.

To solve this problem, the treasury department has implemented a new service called the “Account Verification Service” for instant verification of bank accounts, thus reducing direct deposit fraud cases.

However, some politicians like Kentucky governor Andy Basheer see the danger these new rules will damage low-income senior citizens and physically challenged persons that will come miles to verify identity.

Increase the pressure on SSA offices

The most pressing question is whether the SSA offices can bear such extra weight.

• There is already a great shortage of staff in many SSA offices.
• Plans to close 47 SSA offices will squeeze the remaining offices even more.
• The old seniors might have to remain longer for their social security needs.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, has warned that unless the government prepares in advance, the entire system could come to a standstill and millions of people would be in trouble.

The SSA has assured that they will monitor the situation and will change the policies if needed. But many experts believe imposing such changes too quickly could impose very harsh burdens on senior citizens.

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