President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office has led to renewed scrutiny of Social Security, a program affecting over 70 million Americans. A new policy by the Social Security Administration (SSA) aims to strengthen identity verification procedures, but its implementation has been met with controversy and criticism.
Under the new policy, beneficiaries will need to verify their identity online or in-person at an SSA field office, rather than over the phone. Those without an online account will need to visit a field office for in-person identification. However, some people applying for certain benefits, such as Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will be exempt from these requirements.
Lawmakers and advocates have expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on rural communities, seniors with disabilities, and those with limited mobility. The SSA has stated that it is working to provide better customer service to vulnerable populations, but critics argue that the new policy creates more chaos and anxiety for recipients.
The policy change was initially set to take effect on March 31 but has been delayed due to concerns about training employees and the potential impact of staff cuts. Experts warn that the planned reductions may lead to longer wait times and reduced access to benefits.
To prepare for the new ID policy, beneficiaries can create a “my Social Security” account online, which allows them to verify their identity without visiting a field office. The SSA has also provided a list of acceptable identification documents online.
As the rollout of this new policy approaches, concerns about its impact on vulnerable populations and the potential consequences of staff cuts remain.
Source: https://time.com/7272921/social-security-new-identity-proofing-policy-how-to-prepare