The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced new measures for verifying identities that will be introduced affecting then benefactors starting on April 14. These modifications form part of the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) program to reinforce its security and halting any cases of fraudulent Social Security payments.
If you are a Social Security beneficiary, then you might have to verify your identity in person to receive Social Security benefits. What does that mean?
The verification process
SSA is tightening up the identity verification rules to curb fraudulent activities and ensure that payments reach the intended persons. As per SSA, several million dollars have been wrongfully issued in the names of deceased individuals, thereby necessitating more stringent security.
Under the new directives, a person cannot verify their identity through their My Social Security account, then that person has to do it in person. There will be registrants for others, as well as any person who alters her account.
Exclusions
Some Social Security services will not require in-person verification. Acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek clarified that applications for Medicare, Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) would be exempt. These programs already have numerous identity verification checkpoints during decision-making.
Deadlines
The new verification policy will take effect from April 14 after it was initially set to commence earlier. This delay gives sufficient training time for SSA employees on updated processes with regards to smooth implementation.
Consequences
Failure to do in-person verification may deactivate the account. In cases where it is inactive or fraudulent, beneficiaries may find their means of receiving payment for them suspended. In this way, people can avoid interruption by having them visit SSA office ad complete verification as quickly as possible.
THE BIG PICTURE
One big policy change from this is intended toward going a long way in improving the integrity of Social Security programs. Although some may find it increasingly inconvenient in security measures, the benefit is high in terms of its ability to provide identity theft security for the beneficiary and taxpayer fraud prevention from claims.
If you are getting Social Security benefits and suspect that the verification of your identity will be involved, you can either call your local SSA office or check into your My Social Security account for another step.
FAQS:
Who has to verify identity?
Anyone whose identity cannot be verified online through My Social Security must do so in person.
When will the new regulations come into effect?
The new identity verification rules will take effect on April 14.
Do Social Security benefits affect everyone?
No, in-person verification is waived for Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications.
What happens if I don’t verify my identity?
Your account may go inactive or be marked fraudulent, and you might lose your benefits.
How may I verify my identity?
Visit a local SSA office with the necessary identification documents.