The US Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer allow applicants to apply for benefits over the phone starting April 14. The change increases the likelihood that some eligible people will miss out on benefits or have difficulty accessing them.
According to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 6 million seniors live more than 46.6 miles from a field office, making it difficult for them to apply in person without facing significant travel costs. The SSA has acknowledged that cutting off phone service will drive up to 85,000 people per week to its already backlogged field offices.
The change was implemented at the request of the White House and is intended to address fraud and increase efficiency. However, former agency officials and advocates for retirees warn that it may “crippling” a system already plagued by delays and staffing cuts.
Critics argue that the changes were rushed and will disproportionately affect rural areas where internet access is limited. The SSA has struggled with senior staff departures, tech updates, and website crashes, making it difficult to implement the new policy.
The Social Security Administration faces significant challenges in implementing this change, including lack of written instructions for agency offices on how to handle the implementation. This may lead to further disruptions and strain on the already struggling system.
As the SSA prepares for the changes, advocates are warning that some people will be left without benefits altogether. The cuts to phone services will also impact grieving family members who must apply for survivor’s benefits in person after a loved one passes away, as well as children who cannot have online accounts and must rely on their parents or guardians to visit offices.
The Social Security Administration’s struggles with staff departures, tech updates, and website crashes raise concerns about the agency’s ability to implement this change effectively. With the changes set to take effect in just over two weeks, advocates are urging the SSA to reconsider its approach and ensure that all eligible individuals can access their benefits without undue difficulty.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/social-security-seniors-drive