Mark April 14 on your calendar, because that’s when the United States Social Security Administration will change its policies, and it’s important that you’re aware of these changes because they will affect millions of beneficiaries. Starting that day, verifying your identity by phone will no longer be possible. In other words, if you need to make any change or transaction with Social Security, you will have to do it through the SSA online portal or in person at an SSA office. Of course, this is a step back for older people or those with reduced mobility, but this change will not affect those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Here’s everything you need to know to keep your payments safe and avoid any delays.
What exactly is changing?
The Social Security Administration has made some changes aimed at improving payment security. Until now, those who needed to change banking information could do so with just a phone call, but this will change to make the process more secure. There will only be two ways to make these changes: through the My Social Security personal account or by going in person to a Social Security office to make the necessary updates. Under no circumstances will it be possible to do this by phone as was previously allowed.
Who is exempt from the changes?
Users who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Medicare are exempt from this measure. But for those receiving spousal, retirement, or survivor benefits, this measure will be mandatory.
It will also not be applied in cases such as inmate pre-releases or people in terminal or extreme need situations.
What if I don’t want human interaction?
You’ll be able to verify your information through the My Social Security account, the official SSA app. It’s free and ensures that your information is encrypted so no one but the SSA can access it. It’s available to everyone, even if you don’t have bank income.
What does My Social Security do and how does it work?
From this app you’ll be able to do everything you would normally do at an SSA office, from checking your earnings history, updating your information, reviewing payment schedules, requesting a new card, downloading documents, or even activating email or SMS alerts to stay updated on any activity or notification.
Registering is very easy. Here’s how:
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Click on “Create an Account”
- You can register using:
- Your personal information + verification questions
- Or an ID.me or Login.gov account (faster and more secure)
- Create a username and password
- Activate two-step verification (for security)
It’s not mandatory yet, but it’s highly recommended.
The importance of identity verification
This new policy is being implemented to make it harder for potential fraud to occur near the SSA. And no, it has nothing to do with the changes being implemented by DOGE. The SSA just wants to make sure that benefits are truly being requested by the person who is entitled to them.
Also, it’s important that you have an account on this site, anyone needs a valid Social Security Number and an email address.
What do people think?
The president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare was firm in his statement, saying that putting up obstacles for people who have earned these benefits is a show of hostility toward them, and he’s partially right.
The world is becoming increasingly technological, and instead of removing barriers, we’re creating them. How many older adults and people with limitations are unable to understand how technological devices work? For these individuals, even using an ATM is a major challenge, let alone verifying data through an app. These people also deserve and need fair and equal treatment.
For its part, the SSA, through Lee Dudek, defends the change as part of a strategy to prevent fraud and ensure that payments reach the right people. But of course, at the cost of leaving the most vulnerable behind?
