The Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement new rules requiring in-person identity verification starting March 31. This directive aims to curb fraud in benefit claims and direct deposit adjustments. Critics argue that these measures put undue strain on vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled, especially since the SSA is closing offices and has reduced its workforce. The agency's statement notes that individuals unable to verify their identity online must visit local offices, making access increasingly difficult for those lacking internet access or living far from these locations.
These changes could be particularly devastating for some retirees who are eligible to collect Social Security, including those who are unable to use the internet, elderly Americans in rural areas who live far from SSA offices, and those with disabilities and mobility issues who can't walk or drive to in-person appointments.
In a statement, the SSA explained: "Individuals seeking these services who cannot use their personal 'my Social Security' online account, which requires online identity proofing, will then need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person."
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