The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing stricter identity-proofing measures to curb fraudulent claims, mandating that millions of recipients and applicants visit field offices for identity verification instead of using the phone. Starting March 31, individuals unable to verify their identity online will be required to do so in person. This change poses challenges for older Americans, particularly those in rural areas with disabilities or limited internet access. The SSA will also expedite direct deposit changes to one business day. Acting commissioner Leland Dudek noted the agency loses over $100 million annually to fraud.
"The Social Security Administration is losing over $100 million a year in direct deposit fraud," Leland Dudek, the agency's acting commissioner, said. "Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service."
"A problem with eliminating fraudulent claims is that the information that we use through knowledge-based authentication is already in the public domain," Dudek stated.
"This is a common sense measure," Dudek added.
Retiree advocates warn that the change will negatively impact older Americans in rural areas, including those with disabilities and limited internet access.
#social-security-administration #fraud-prevention #identity-verification #elderly-impact #direct-deposit-changes
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