In another head-spinning reversal, SSA has cancelled plans to require identity verification either online or in person for people applying for benefits or changing their direct deposit information. Yesterday the Washington Post reported that SSA would be installing a new fraud detecting tool that flags potentially fraudulent incoming calls to SSA, and that unless a caller is flagged, identity may once again be verified over the phone.
In March, DOGE had insisted that telephone representatives could not adequately verify identity leading SSA to require either online or in-person identity verification. This meant that people without computers or smart phones had to first call SSA at 800-772-1213 to make an appointment with their local office, and then travel to the office to show ID. Shortly thereafter they exempted those applying for Medicare, SSI, or disability benefits. Now they’ve scrapped the whole plan.
Of course, you should still urge your clients to establish an account at ssa.gov/myaccount where they can check their earnings record, see benefit estimates, apply for benefits, and change direct-deposit information.