The Social Security Administration (SSA) is undertaking a strategy to enhance its Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service while simultaneously planning the closure of 47 regional offices nationwide. This dual initiative aims to cut costs and improve efficiency to better serve stakeholders, particularly in the financial industry. However, these closures have raised concerns among advocacy groups like AARP, which argue that they will impede access for older Americans who rely on Social Security as a primary income source, potentially leading to longer wait times and service challenges.
Lee Dudek, the SSA's acting commissioner, stated, 'We are committed to enhancing the eCBSV service to better serve our stakeholders and effectively combat identity fraud.'
Nancy LeaMond of AARP criticized the closures, arguing they will lead to 'more headaches and longer wait times' for older Americans relying on Social Security.
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