The Social Security Administration’s plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while closing government offices has sparked a fierce backlash from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and program recipients who fear that the government is imposing unnecessary barriers on an already vulnerable population.
The new requirements will impact anyone who needs to verify their bank information with the agency, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify a child’s information online. The plan aims to combat fraud and waste within the system, but critics argue that it will instead cause delays and hardship for those who rely on the program.
The SSA has announced plans to close 26 field offices this year, with some taking effect as early as next month. This move is expected to result in massive delays to services, according to advocates. Nancy LeaMond of the AARP said that eliminating phone verification will lead to “more headaches and longer wait times” for routine customer service needs.
Democrats have also expressed concern about the impact on older beneficiaries in remote areas and those with limited internet access. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has warned that the plan is part of a broader effort by the administration to privatize the Social Security system, which he believes will harm vulnerable Americans.
The SSA claims that the new policy will stop vulnerabilities to fraud, but critics point to concerns about the accuracy of direct deposit information and the potential for delays in processing applications. The agency distributes over $1.6 trillion in benefits annually, and the end of phone verification could be disastrous for some recipients, including families with children who will need to visit an SSA office.
As one recipient, Sandi Bachom, fears, “What would happen if I didn’t get that check?” She credits Social Security with saving her life after losing a six-figure job, and she’s worried about the implications of the new policy on her own well-being.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/social-security-doge-fraud-services-35efe10cffa1ee40c1e9f12385b2cc35