A new Social Security identity verification policy, set to roll out next week, could make it much more difficult for millions of Americans, particularly seniors, to access their benefits. According to a recent report from the Centre on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the upcoming changes may place added stress on older adults who already face barriers like limited mobility or lack of transportation.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Starting April 14, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer allow over-the-phone identity verification for certain services. The agency says the change is aimed at reducing fraud and better protecting benefits. But the decision is drawing criticism from advocates who warn it could make it harder for older adults, people with disabilities, and those without easy internet access to get the help they need.
The new rules will apply to people applying for benefits or making changes to their direct deposit information. If they can’t verify their identity through the SSA’s online “My Social Security” portal, they’ll now have to go to a local field office in person. However, the requirement does not apply to individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare.
Long Distances and Limited Mobility
According to a report from the CBPP, the change could hit older adults especially hard particularly those who can’t drive or have health issues that make travel difficult. Nationwide, over 6 million seniors don’t have access to a car, and nearly 8 million report physical limitations that make it hard to leave home. Critics argue that requiring in-person visits may unfairly burden these vulnerable populations.
The report also notes that in 35 states, at least 10% of Social Security beneficiaries face a 45-mile round trip to reach their nearest field office, nearly double the average daily travel distance for older adults. In some rural states, the travel distances are extreme.
In Wyoming, 65% of seniors live more than 45 miles from the nearest Social Security office. In Alaska, nearly half of older adults face a trip of at least that distance, and often more, because of the state’s remote terrain. In North Dakota, about 13,000 seniors are more than 180 miles round trip from the closest office. For many, especially those with health or mobility issues, making that kind of journey just to verify their identity isn’t realistic.
In contrast, more urbanized states such as California and New York are expected to fare better, with only about 3% of seniors needing to travel long distances. This is largely thanks to the higher number of field offices in those states.
Concerns for Vulnerable Groups
The CBPP report points out that many older adults still rely on phone services to apply for or manage their benefits. In fact, more than 40% of retirees, and the majority of eligible spouses and surviving family members, apply by phone. The new identity rules could seriously disrupt that process.
Survivor benefits, which go to the family members of deceased workers, can’t be claimed online at all. That means grieving families will now face the added burden of traveling to a Social Security office in person. The same goes for children, who can’t create their own SSA accounts, so their parents or guardians will also be required to show up in person to verify identity.
Senior advocacy groups warn that these requirements could effectively block access to benefits for many older or disabled Americans. “Telephone services are critical for people who have trouble getting online or physically getting to an office,” the CBPP report stated.
SSA Responds to the Criticism
In a statement to Newsweek, a spokesperson said, “SSA is NOT limiting phone services for Americans. We have over 40,000 people working the front lines and will continue to ensure benefits are available to all Americans.”
The agency says it’s working to improve overall service, noting that staff have returned to field offices full-time and that upgrades are being made to phone systems and staffing levels. According to the SSA, these changes are part of a broader push under the Trump administration to streamline government operations and boost efficiency.