TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced changes to its identity proofing requirements, causing concern among some recipients, especially those with disabilities or limited access to Social Security offices.
While a policy update has since been issued in response to public outcry, some recipients say they are still anxious about the future of their benefits.
Earlier this month, the SSA introduced a policy requiring individuals who cannot use their online accounts to verify their identity in person at a local Social Security office. This change directly impacts those who need to make benefit claims or update their direct deposit information.
For many seniors and people with disabilities, this requirement presents a challenge. Donna Boatman, a Social Security recipient and advocate, voiced her frustration.
“A lot of people on Social Security are on disability. They don’t have cars, they don’t know how to use a computer. It’s like they’re trying to make it as hard as possible for people to get their Social Security,” Boatman said.
Following widespread concerns from recipients, advocacy groups, and members of Congress, the SSA issued a new statement revising its policy.
The update includes an extension of the policy’s effective date by two weeks and exemptions for individuals applying for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
In a statement, the SSA’s Acting Commissioner said:
We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations. In addition to extending the policy’s effective date by two weeks to ensure our employees have the training they need to help customers, Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications will be exempt from in-person identity proofing because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.
Boatman says that although the SSA issued a new statement, her anxiety remains.
“My friends and my community are worried that we just know what’s gonna happen and we don’t know what to do next. So, we’re not spending, we’re not buying a new car. Do we sell our home because we’re not gonna be able to afford it in a few months? We’re just up in the air honestly,” Boatman explained.
The new policy will become effective April 14, 2025.
