The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a major change in its identity verification policies. This measure affects all beneficiaries, who will have to undergo stricter procedures starting this June 2025. The intention of this reform is to prevent fraud and improve the efficiency of the system.
However, the implementation of these new procedures could cause delays in the payments that many beneficiaries rely on for their daily lives. The most affected could be retirees and those who have certain difficulties getting to local Social Security offices.
What is changing in the SSA verification process?
The new policy states that all new applicants and those who modify their information will have to go to a Social Security office for in-person verification. The online verification system, which until now has been common, is no longer sufficient for SSA. This decision is a response to the large increase in fraud, such as Social Security number theft and the submission of false applications, which have grown since the pandemic.
Since 2021, SSA has observed a significant increase in identity theft attempts. The accelerated digitalization due to the pandemic opened doors to scammers, which led to the need to strengthen the system's security. This change aims to ensure that funds reach those who truly need them.
The impact on beneficiaries
One of the main problems this reform creates is concern about delays. Retirees, in particular, rely on these payments for their survival.
With the shortage of staff in Social Security offices, the demand for in-person appointments could cause even more delays. In addition, many retirees face difficulties traveling to physical offices.
What should new applicants and beneficiaries do?
New applicants should prepare for a longer process. Make sure you have all original documents, such as a passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. In addition, it's important to prepare certified photocopies to speed up the process.
As for beneficiaries who are already enrolled, they should verify that their information in "My Social Security" matches their official documents.
How to handle possible delays
If you experience delays, keep all emails, receipts, and case numbers related to your process. This way, you can claim your retroactive payment if it isn't received on time. SSA also offers assistance for those who can't go to the offices, through home visits or the appointment of an authorized representative.
SSA seeks to curb losses from fraud, which have reached nearly $8 billion in the past decade. This amount is enough to cover the annual payments of 600,000 retirees. The tightening of verification not only protects the trust fund, but also aims to strengthen public trust in the system.