Social Security Administration tightens controls to verify beneficiaries' identities in the U.S.

Beginning March 31, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement new identity verification measures to reduce benefit payment fraud. These measures will affect both new applicants and current beneficiaries who need to update their financial information.

As part of the change, the SSA will stop accepting identity verifications over the phone, forcing those who cannot complete the process online to come in person to an agency office. According to SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, the initiative seeks to strengthen the security of the system and prevent millions in fraud losses. "Social Security can better protect Americans while streamlining service," Dudek said at a press conference.

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Beneficiaries concerned about access to Social Security offices in the U.S.

Advocates for retirees and people with disabilities have expressed concern about the difficulties this measure could create. Many elderly or mobility-impaired people rely on Social Security payments and may find it difficult to get to an office to complete verification.

The situation is exacerbated because the SSA has been closing several offices across the country. According to data from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in states such as Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Kentucky and North Carolina, at least 47 field offices have closed or are in the process of closing. "Requiring people to show up in person while closing offices is contradictory and will hurt beneficiaries," retiree organizations told the AP.

Why do Social Security beneficiaries have to go through this security system?

The SSA argues that the new measure is necessary to combat fraud in Social Security payments. According to Dudek, the current system, based on security questions and public data, has proven insufficient to prevent scams.

One of the main problems is direct deposit fraud, which generates annual losses of more than $100 million for the agency. As part of the improvements, SSA will also reduce the wait time for direct deposit changes from 30 days to just one business day.

Political Criticism and Accusations of Privatization Attempts

The new policy has also generated reactions in the political arena. Congressman John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat and member of the House Social Security Subcommittee, criticized the measure and accused former President Donald Trump and businessman Elon Musk of trying to dismantle Social Security to justify its privatization.

"By forcing beneficiaries to go to offices that are closing and eliminating the telephone option, Trump and Musk seek to create chaos at SSA to argue that the system is not working and thus advance its privatization," Larson said in a statement quoted by AP.

Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been critical of the Social Security program, calling it a "Ponzi scheme" and promoting cuts in federal spending, which has generated uncertainty about the future of the benefits system.

Lawsuits and access to sensitive data

In light of the controversy, a coalition of unions filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop the DOGE-driven changes. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the SSA from accessing sensitive data on millions of beneficiaries without further privacy controls.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have faced direct questions from concerned citizens about the future of Social Security. According to the AP, at recent public meetings, voters have demanded explanations about budget cuts and the impact of these new measures.

With the implementation date getting closer, questions persist about how this new procedure will affect beneficiaries and about the future of Social Security in the context of the upcoming elections.