SSA Policy Changes 2025: Everything is under processing and adopting new changes for improvement. SSA or The Social Security Administration is now working to improve the security of its services by introducing authentic identity verification process. As SSA is maintain vast database of beneficiaries, it has to be error free and guarded. So that there will be no worry on the part of the citizens regarding any fraud. These new measures can better protect the records and can save millions of Americans from fraudulent activities. From April 14,2025 the individuals cannot access their personal “my social security account” for any kind off uses. It will need to verify their identity in person.
Recently on Wednesday, the SSA announced a two-week delay in the implementation of a contentious anti-fraud initiative, which will now impact fewer applicants. All these changes are happening to address the fraud concerns liked to an initiative led by Elon Musk. This decision is impacting on the continuing challenges within the agency.
SSA Policy Changes 2025 Update
Recently Lee Dudek who is the acting Commissioner of SSA has stated that the agency has taken consideration from the customers, congress, advocates and other share holders in this policy changing decision. Physical identity verification will not be required for Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications as there are several chances to confirm an individual’s identity throughout the decision-making process. Recently more than 73 million Americans are going to receive the Social Security benefits. And as the policy is changing, so the beneficiaries are advised to do online identity verification by visiting a field office in person although phone applications remain an option.
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Key Highlight regarding changes:
- The new policy is going to replace and act as a new policy change from 14th of April. This new policy allows individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to complete their claims entirely by phone if they are unable to use a personal “my Social Security account”.
- This means they need not have to visit an office in person. Also, the agency has stated a statement regarding this reorganization.
- The agency has stated that the individuals who are facing “extreme dire-need situations” like terminal illnesses and all, they don’t need to follow the new policy.
- Apart from following what can they do is now the question. They can create a different process specifically for these cases.
- The applicants who cannot access their “my social security account” to get the benefits, they have to verify their identity at a Social Security office when applying for Retirement or if they are the Survivors or they are applying for any Auxiliary benefits for spouses or children.
- SSA is solely responsible to make the process happen via online or will conduct in-person identity verification for these applications.
- In any unpleasant situation like if there is terminal illnesses or pre-release for prisoners of the applicants happen, then the identity verification requirements will not be enforced.
- Still the SSA is working on a process which can allow the documentation and approval from management to exempt individuals from these requirements in critical cases.
- And all this new policy change is aiming at ensuring that those who are in extreme need can still access benefits without the usual identity proofing hurdles.
- The applicants who cannot use the online “my Social Security services” to update their direct deposit details must go to a Social Security office or can call 1-800-772-1213 to set up an in-person appointment.
- The agency will arrange a meeting for those who are unable to do that.
- And remember those who are unable to do things online, they are bound to visit a SSA office to get thing done.
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Major Concerns regarding the changes:
Major concerns are now rising up. The advocates are raising concerns regarding the policy change because they are thinking that this change could burden senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. As they are already struggling in their daily life. It will not be easy for them to get the online access or traveling to agency offices. Nancy LeaMond who is AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer has stated that this change could force members across the country to travel long distances just to complete necessary paperwork. Also, she has addressed that simply postponing the implementation is not that sufficient.
As the new rule is stopping the beneficiaries from changing their bank account details through phone could cause more people to visit agency offices. Which will linger the waiting of the visitors as there will be more applicants. The agency will face the rush. And it could put more pressure on the agency’s limited staff. Two-week delay is not sufficient to encounter these sudden changes. And also, people are questioning about the necessity of the policy as SSA has not provided evidence of direct deposit fraud that would justify such burdens on customers and staff.
In the year of 2023, Congressional Research Service has revealed a report that $88 million financial fraud was reported which is not confirmed yet. These frauds are related to improper payments, though some may be linked to fraud. And to solve the issues, the SSA has circulated $1.5 trillion payments annually. In my personal opinion people will take their time as the agency also to get cope up with the new rules and regulations.
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