The Social Security Administration (SSA), which distributes monthly benefits to about 70 million Americans, has come under fire recently for its short-lived decision to block many claimants from verifying their identities over the phone. That decision has now been reversed.
Originally, the SSA had announced that individuals unable to verify their identity online would be required to visit an office in person for all new benefit claims and direct deposit changes.
However, this policy was later revised to exempt recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income.
What You Need to Know?
The SSA has now confirmed that all beneficiaries will once again be able to verify their identity over the phone.
Starting April 14, 2025, the SSA will allow individuals to file all types of claims by phone, with new anti-fraud technology in place to protect users and improve the overall experience.
According to a press release issued April 12, the SSA’s upgraded system can detect suspicious patterns and anomalies in telephone claims.
If any irregular activity is flagged, the individual may be required to verify their identity in person before their claim can proceed.
This update comes amid a broader push by the Department of Government Efficiency—established by President Donald Trump—to cut down on waste and fraud in public spending.
Between 2013 and 2018, fraudsters redirected over $33.5 million in Social Security benefits from nearly 21,000 recipients by tampering with direct deposit information, according to audits by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General.
The SSA noted that these improvements are the result of employees returning to full-time, in-office operations and ongoing efforts to strengthen security.
Importantly, beneficiaries who are already receiving payments and aren’t changing their direct deposit information do not need to complete identity proofing.
What People Are Saying?
Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, stated: “We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility.
These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”
Meanwhile, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare responded critically, saying in an April 10 statement:
“The Trump administration didn’t reverse this policy out of kindness—they did so because of public pressure. While they’re at it, the SSA and their DOGE overlords should also undo other damaging policies disguised as fraud prevention.
These include shrinking the SSA workforce, planning field office closures, and reinstating policies that allow the government to withhold up to 100% of benefit payments in the event of accidental overpayments—often caused by the SSA itself.”
What’s Next?
The updated procedures and fraud detection measures will officially go into effect starting Monday, April 14.