DOGE’s most recent initiative to end identity verification over the phone, which was set to take effect March 31st, and had been pushed back to April 14th is now being reversed entirely.
The primary misconception was that ALL Social Security services would require online or in-person verification. This is incorrect. The policy required online or in-person identity verification only for these specific actions:
- Applying for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits.
- Changing direct deposit information for any benefit type.
- Changing mailing address for paper check recipients.
It is important to note that these proposed changes have been completely reversed.
Identity verification to claim benefits, change address, or change direct deposit information over the phone is still available for Social Security beneficiaries. While this is good news, there are still some considerations to be aware of.
Utilizing the online portal is still best practice, and we encourage you to sign up if you have not already. The proposed changes are indicative of an administration that wants to incentivize online use. 7,000 SSA workers have been cut since DOGE’s inception[1], which lengthens wait times for phone services and reduces in-person appointment availability. This could worsen if more cuts are seen, so being prepared to use the online capabilities of the SSA will be beneficial.
In addition to this, the SSA will conduct automated anti-fraud checks on all telephone applications. If flagged during this check, then identity verification will have to be carried out in person. The SSA has estimated that out of the “4.5 million claims per year that are received, about 70,000 may be flagged.”[2] While the estimate is low, there is always the risk that a claim could be flagged mistakenly and add unintended delays.
While DOGE has reversed its proposed changes to Social Security Identity verification it is important to continually maintain awareness. The chaotic nature of the announcements and the subsequent backtracking has led to a lot of confusion. Being prepared to adapt in the event more confusion arises will be important. While we don’t have a crystal ball, Legacy Trust can and will continue to be a resource when you need it.
Collin Hartley
Associate Wealth Advisor & Wealth Planner
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-security-benefits-services-trump-elon-musk-job-cuts/
[2] https://www.aarp.org/social-security/planned-id-verification-requirements-eased.html