The Trump administration is proposing a change that could force thousands of citizens applying for Social Security benefits to verify their identities in person. The Social Security Administration (SSA) suggests that people applying over the phone would need to use an online program, “internet ID proofing,” to confirm their identities.
If unsuccessful, claimants will have to file paperwork at a field office, according to an internal memo. This change is expected to affect 75,000 to 85,000 people per week, disproportionately impacting older populations and those with disabilities.
The SSA previously considered scrapping telephone service for claims but backtracked after criticism. The agency now requires claimants to update their bank account information online or in-person, rather than over the phone.
Critics argue that this change will lead to longer wait times, increased demand on field offices, and challenges for vulnerable populations. Only 40 out of 1,200 field offices are expected to remain open, as more than 7,000 SSA employees are being cut under a separate plan.
The White House has stated that any changes aim to reduce fraud, but critics question the reliability of the proposed ID verification system. The SSA reported only $71.8 billion in improper payments out of $8.6 trillion in disbursements between 2015 and 2022.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/proposed-trump-policy-could-force-182221920.html