Social Security Administration Requires In-Person Identity Checks For Millions

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing stricter identity verification measures to combat fraud, requiring millions of beneficiaries to prove their identity in person starting March 31. This change affects both new applicants and existing recipients looking to modify their direct deposit information, as phone verification will no longer be available. Advocates express concern that this policy could disproportionately impact older individuals, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to SSA offices or the internet. Additionally, the SSA plans to expedite direct deposit change requests to one business day, improving service efficiency. The agency, already facing staffing challenges and plans to close several offices, aims to address significant financial losses due to fraud, which reportedly exceed $100 million annually. The move has drawn criticism for potentially increasing wait times and creating difficulties for vulnerable populations.