You won't be able to finalize Social Security claims over the phone soon. See new process
One Social Security Administration commissioner says that up to 85,000 more Americans will need to visit Social Security offices each week and that vulnerable populations will be impacted the most
More and more Americans will be forced make the trek to their local Social Security office to finalize claims or enroll in benefits starting next month.
The Social Security Administration reported an update to its security policies, one that requires both applicants and beneficiaries to provide proof of identity in person if they are unable to access their "My Social Security” account, which does require online identity verification.
Before the change, people who couldn't verify their identity online could either call the agency or visit a Social Security office. They could also make modifications to banking information over the phone, though were still required to verify their identity online.
The agency's "stronger identity verification procedures" will be implemented in the next two weeks. The changes, which the agency says will better protect against fraudulent claims, are set to significantly impact "vulnerable populations," Leland Dudek, Social Security Administration commissioner, said in a memo leaked to multiple news outlets last week.
People who do not have internet access or are unable to leave their home will be most impacted. Dudek estimated that between 75,000 and 85,000 more Americans would need to visit Social Security offices each week.
The change comes weeks after the Trump administration announced the closure of dozens of local Social Security offices and about one week after a memo recommended the agency no longer allow people to make changes over the phone, Paste BN reported Wednesday.
Here's what to know about the policy change, including the planned enforcement deadline and how to schedule an in-person appointment.
When is the Social Security policy change going into effect?
Monday, March 31.
Anyone seeking Social Security services who cannot use their personal "My Social Security” account, for any reason, must visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person.
The agency says it will be expediting processing requests for direct deposit changes − both in person and online − to one business day. People had to wait up to 30 days to see direct deposit changes made, the agency said in a news release.
How do I know if I need to schedule an in-person appointment?
The answer depends on your needs and current situation.
The Social Security Administration will allow applicants who do not or cannot use the agency’s online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the phone. But the claim will not be fully processed until the applicant's identity is verified in person.
Applicants who decide to visit their local Social Security office in person, with or without an appointment, will need to provide proof of identity.
Do I have to make an in-person visit to change my direct deposit information?
Yes, if you are unable to access or use agency’s online “my Social Security” services.
To update or make changes to your direct deposit information, visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.
What services does the Social Security Administration offer online?
Applicants, or beneficiaries, can make changes or requests online, including:
- Applying for benefits
- Getting or replacing a Social Security card
- Updating contact information
- Changing your name.
- Checking your application status.
- Updating your direct deposit
"Some tasks start online and need to be finished in an office but starting online saves time," the agency said. "We’ll help you schedule an appointment to visit when it’s needed. If you don’t start online, call to make an appointment before visiting."
How to make an in-person appointment
Any Social Security beneficiary or applicant can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment or find the location of your local office here.
The number of documents, or the kinds of documents needed to verify a person's identity was not immediately clear. The Social Security Administration did not immediately respond to Paste BN's request for additional information.
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse and Erin Mansfield, Paste BN