As the Social Security Administration (SSA) works towards stabilizing as it settles under new leadership, many sweeping changes have been announced within the agency under the interim commissioner.
The Social Security Card is one aspect of the welfare system amongst many to be faced with a change, or rather evolution, in recent weeks. The agency has recently announced that a new digital card option will be available for beneficiaries once summer starts.
This shift away from tradition and on to the path of modernity does not exactly come as a surprise when considering the mass digitization of the world at large. However, Social Security is claimed mainly by the older generations and such a drastic shift to digitization might not be as well received as hoped.
The Social Security Card goes digital
A recent announcement from the SSA revealed that a rollout of secure digital SSN cards will be carried out early this summer. These digital SSN cards can be securely accessed via the beneficiary’s my Social Security online account. The aim behind this shift was to offer beneficiaries a more modern and convenient way of accessing their SSN.
According to SSA officials, “this innovation will cut down on the need for physical visits to Social Security offices and reduce the reliance on mailed replacement cards,” both of which are processes with lengthy wait times. This shift stems partially from an increasing risk of identity theft and fraud as well and as such, having a digital SSN allows for a more streamlined and secure method of retrieving one’s SSN when needed for non-SSA related transactions.
“The new feature is part of a broader effort to provide better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure,” acting SSA commissioner Lee Dudek shared.
How will the digital SSN work?
Any individual with a my Social Security account will be able to access and make use of the new digital SSN feature. The digital SSN can be accessed via the SSA portal on either a mobile device or a desktop. After logging in, account holders can then securely display their Social Security Number directly on the screen of their device.
The introduction of a digital SSN does not mean that the physical SSN cards will be discontinued, however. This digital option is merely an additional and convenient option for those who have either lost their paper card or forgotten their number.
Furthermore, this new feature cannot act as a digital ID, nor is it a government issued mobile credential. It cannot replace the physical SSN card in certain situations either. Simply put, the feature is merely a supplementary means of access directed at simplifying proof of identity in cases of job applications or financial transactions.
“The digital rollout is scheduled to begin in early summer 2025 and reach all SSA field offices and card centers nationwide by season’s end,” as per a SSA press release.
Regarding the new feature, Michael Ryan, a finance expert, has shared, “Think about it, no more tearing apart your filing cabinet looking for that little blue card! You’ll be able to pull up your Social Security number right on your phone or computer whenever you need it.”
“But here’s the catch, what about grandma who still uses a flip phone? Or people without reliable internet? The SSA says they’re keeping all the traditional options available too, so nobody gets left behind. They’ve already shown they’re willing to adjust when they get pushback, which is reassuring.”
The SSA has further shared that it will be monitoring feedback as the rollout progresses so as to make any required adjustments for usability and accessibility which will likely prove to be quite helpful to the older cohort who are not as digitally literate as the newer generations.
The SSA also reiterated that, “the paper SSN cards will remain available, and the digital version is an optional enhancement, not a mandatory replacement.”