This week, the Social Security Administration announced a significant change that will impact millions of Americans. Anyone applying for new benefits or checking their benefits must now verify their identity online first. This new policy replaces the long-standing practice of being able to complete the entire benefit application process over a toll-free phone line.
This presents a real challenge for those without internet access, particularly in rural areas. Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, expressed concerns that requiring in-person visits will result in more headaches and longer wait times to resolve customer service needs. “Requiring rural Americans to go into an office means taking a day off work and driving for hours merely to fill out paperwork.
Any delay caused by this change can result in economic hardship,” LeaMond said. Setting up an in-person appointment already takes over a month. Individuals must bring proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or US passport.
Identity verification creates new challenges
The new process requiring field office visits for those without online access may hinder many, especially with the expected closure of an estimated 47 local Social Security offices following an audit by the Department of Government Efficiency. Max Richtman, president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, criticized the policy.
“The new process forces seniors and disabled individuals to navigate a needless technical hurdle to apply for their earned benefits,” he stated. Despite these challenges, there is some good news for certain retirees. By the end of this month, more than 3 million Social Security recipients will see a bump in their benefits, following the enactment of a new law signed by President Biden in January.
This legislation targets an increase in monthly Social Security benefits for certain types of workers, including some teachers, firefighters, police officers in many states, federal employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System, and individuals whose work had been covered by a foreign social security system. Anyone whose monthly benefit is increased or receiving a retroactive payment will get a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the change. The law eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which had reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for people who also received a non-Social Security pension.
The monthly benefit increase could range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000, depending on various factors like the type of Social Security benefit received and the size of the individual’s pension. The larger checks will start arriving in April for the March 2025 benefit.