( The Hill The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Tuesday that it will reverse its previously suggested reductions to telephone services, stating that it intends to introduce an "anti-fraud measure."
"Starting from April 14, #SocialSecurity will conduct an anti-fraud verification for all phone-submitted claims and identify those with potential fraud risk flags," according to a post by SSA. social platform X.
People who are marked will need to verify their identity in person so that their Social Security application can be handled. Those who do not trigger any flags can continue with their process online without needing an in-person verification, the agency stated.
"We will keep performing full identity verification for all in-person claims. This includes handling about 4.5 million phone claims annually, with approximately 70K potentially being flagged," the SSA stated in their update.
“The telephone continues to be a feasible choice for the general population,” the agency stated, apparently reversing its previous stance favoring entirely face-to-face interactions.
Last month, SSA announced It would no longer permit individuals to confirm their identity via telephone calls. The organization stated instead that persons must undertake actions to validate their claims and establish their identities either online or during an in-person appointment.
Modifications were scheduled to take place on March 31 and would affect over 72 million individuals who depend on Social Security.
After public outrage ensued following the decision, the SSA changed course Before it was scheduled to be implemented.
"We have heard from our customers, Congress, advocacy groups, and others, and as a result, we are revising our policies to improve customer service for some of the nation's most vulnerable communities," stated Acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek. He added that these enhanced telephone services will commence in mid-April.
The announcement was made as numerous SSA offices throughout the nation were bustling with activity. had plans to close at some point this year as part of the Department of Government Efficiency Dogecoin calls for reductions in federal spending.
SSA later said It wasn’t about permanently shutting down offices; instead, from time to time, they might temporarily close them due to weather conditions, damages, or facility-related problems.
DOGE contended that modifications to the organization could aid in prevention direct deposit fraud When "scammers" contact the SSA and alter their direct deposit information.
The revised SSA policy has alleviated certain worries among rural residents and those needing help to reach the physical office locations. Nevertheless, appointments at these offices remain necessary for filing applications related to Retirement, Survivor’s, or Auxiliary (Spouse/Child) benefits, as stated by the agency in late March.
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