The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just announced a major update that will go into effect on April 14, 2025. This update involves a new anti-fraud system designed to protect your information and benefits. The system can freeze or delay your benefits if it detects suspicious activity on your account.
According to the SSA, the new fraud detection technology will analyze patterns and anomalies in each person’s account activity. If it detects anything that looks off, such as a sudden change in direct deposit information or unusual calling patterns, it may require you to verify your identity in person before it can process your claim.
So as much as Social Security’s new changes could disrupt your benefits, it can only do so if you are caught off guard.Trouble for Real Madrid: The condition that makes a comeback nearly impossible
Changes to Expect
Initially, the SSA had said that all new benefit claims and banking changes would require beneficiaries to visit local SSA offices if they were unable to verify their identity online. Later, it changed and narrowed the rule to apply only to retirees, survivors, and family benefits, excluding Medicare applicants and disabilities. The rule was reversed again and restored full telephone access for all programs, so long as no fraud is suspected.
This confusion is a result of the chaos at SSA, such as the reduction of its workforce and closure of some field offices, which has overwhelmed the workers left, longer waiting times, dropped calls, and unprocessed benefits and claims.
Why the Change Matters
The SSA has over 70 million beneficiaries who receive benefits every month. Not long ago, the SSA was criticized for massive fraud by Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) formed by President Trump to eliminate waste and fraud in public programs. According to the SSA, over $33.5 million of beneficiaries’ money was diverted between 2013 and 2018 through fraudulent deposit changes.
To curb this, the SSA came up with enhanced technology to monitor phone applications, and analyze patterns and anomalies. It’s estimated that over 70,000 of the 4.5 million phone claims filed annually could be flagged.
On April 12, Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner of the SSA, said that this enhancement will bring security and accessibility. “We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,”
What This Means for You
The new anti-fraud changes at the SSA could disrupt your benefits if you are unprepared. This is what you should do to avoid unnecessary interruptions;
- If using your phone to apply, you can go ahead as long as you don’t get flagged. If you get flagged, you will have to visit a field office in person. To avoid being flagged, be sure your personal information matches SSA records.
- Use your “My Social Security” account or visit a local field in person if you are changing direct deposit information because it’s impossible to do so over the phone anymore.
- If you are already receiving benefits and don’t need to change any information in your account or banking details, just relax because you do not have to verify your identity unless suspicious activity is detected.
Why Some Parties are Concerned About the New Social Security Changes
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and AARP, among other groups, have criticized how the SSA has scheduled these changes. Many fear that these changes will affect some beneficiaries, especially those without internet access or those who cannot travel to SSA field offices with ease.
Nancy LeaMond of AARP said that the last-minute reversal by SSA is a win for older people, but it causes confusion, “a win for older Americans,” but stressed that confusion remains.
Jessica LaPointe, a union leader representing SSA staff, told CNN that employees were not allowed enough time to understand the new security changes and were not trained. “Hasty and inadequate training is leaving the workforce unprepared to deal with the influx of public inquiry.”
Conclusion
The new Social Security changes could disrupt your benefits, but you can avoid this by staying updated, double-checking your banking information, and ensuring that your “my Social Security” account is set up. Although phone access is still available, changes in banking information must be made via the website or in person.