Millions Of Seniors Could Be Shut Out Of Social Security Services As Phone Applications Get Axed: Study
A new study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reveals that millions of senior Americans could be faced with major obstacles under newly announced Social Security policies.
What Happened: The report sheds light on how removing the option for phone applications for retirement and survivor benefits could unduly affect seniors and people with disabilities, particularly in rural areas, according to the CBPP study.
Starting April 8, the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer lets people apply for retirement or survivor benefits via telephone.
Instead, applicants must either apply online or visit a local SSA field office in person. The CBPP report projects that this change could force at least 6 million to make trips of up to 45 miles to avail of in-person help.
The policy also covers those updating direct deposit information. SSA frames these steps as measures to consolidate fraud protection and identity verification.Why It Matters: Advocates say the move will make circumstances even more challenging for people already struggling with issues like mobility, access to transportation, or internet access.
"Not everyone drives, particularly seniors or people with disabilities," said Kathleen Romig, CBPP's director of Social Security and disability policy.
She also highlighted that SSA appointments are hard to obtain, with phone wait times averaging two and a half hours and in-person appointments requiring more than 28 days to be confirmed.
Survivor benefits, which are not available online, are particularly impacted.
"All of those people need to go in person to apply for benefits because there is no online option for that," Romig said.
The SSA states that phone access remains an option for general communication, but the CBPP warns that the new rules could prevent millions from acquiring essential services.
Critics posit that the burden is especially high for bereaved households, homebound individuals, and those who do not have internet access.
Read Next:
Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.
Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they're on pace — here's a breakdown on what's behind this formula.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
Send To MSN: Send to MSN
UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets.
Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?
This article Millions Of Seniors Could Be Shut Out Of Social Security Services As Phone Applications Get Axed: Study originally appeared on Benzinga.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
FAFSA deadline nears: Las Vegas students urged to seek aid now
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An important deadline is quickly approaching for Las Vegas valley students heading to college this fall. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must be submitted by the end of the month. The application is the first step to accessing billions of dollars in financial aid. 'FAFSA unlocks federal grants, loans, and work-study as well as many state and college programs aid on a first-come come-first first-served basis,' Shaan Patel, Founder and CEO of an online college prep service, said. The entire application can be completed online. 'Make sure you have all your necessary documents… so you get the maximum financial aid possible for college this fall,' Patel said. Dr. Rhea Watson, also known as The Scholarship Doctor and CEO of Scholarship Solutions, warns that skipping the FAFSA could cost you thousands of dollars. She emphasizes that it's a mistake to assume you won't qualify for financial aid. 'If you don't have a FAFSA application on file, it is nearly impossible, very difficult for your scholarship applications and even those financial aid packages you want to receive from a college,' Watson said. Roughly $3 billion in aid goes unclaimed every year, Watson said. 'Don't leave money on the table… it just goes and recycles through the government versus going to students who can use it to go to school and go without debt,' Watson said. The FAFSA only takes a few hours to complete if one is prepared. Once submitted, one can expect the financial aid award letter within 2 to 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that state and school-specific aid can run out quickly, so it's best to apply as early as possible. Documents needed for filling out the FAFSA include: Social Security number Parents' Social Security numbers (if you are a dependent student) Tax returns Records of child support received Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts Social Security card, driver's license, and/or alien registration card (if not a US citizen) Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned For more information on what students need to know before they fill out the FAFSA form, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
CGTN: China-U.S. trade talks in London receive positive market reception
With the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism set to continue in London on Tuesday, CGTN publishes an article discussing the significance of the highly anticipated talks and the global expectations surrounding them. The article also highlights China's attitude and stance on the trade talks, stressing the importance of China-U.S. cooperation in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. BEIJING, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism is set to continue on Tuesday in London with a second day of talks. The gathering of key officials from the world's two largest economies is widely seen as a crucial step in easing tensions between the two countries, sending a positive signal to the global economy. The highly anticipated trade talks come just days after a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. They are aimed at implementing the consensus reached by both leaders and continuing to foster dialogue and cooperation in economic and trade fields. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading the Chinese delegation in London, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are heading the U.S. team. Severe economic repercussions The London talks are a direct outcome of the Geneva discussions in May, when both sides agreed to pause the escalating tariffs and establish a consultation mechanism to continue negotiations. The Geneva meeting featured the first face-to-face talks between senior officials from both nations since the U.S. imposed hefty tariffs on China in April, and China retaliated with robust countermeasures. The tariff hikes have not only hurt the global supply chain, but also harmed the U.S. economy, driving up costs, reducing consumption and increasing the risk of economic recession. A Harris Poll conducted for Bloomberg News in late May revealed that many Americans are tightening their belts, a recent survey by Bank of America showed that allocations to U.S. assets are at their lowest levels in nearly two decades, and multiple sources, including U.S. Bank, JP Morgan and the International Monetary Fund, have suggested a 40 percent chance of a U.S. recession. Cooperation is the only way out Given these concerning economic repercussions, Xi has stressed that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for the two countries. He hailed the Geneva talks as an important step forward in resolving disputes and urged the two sides to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other's concerns. The Chinese side is sincere about this, and at the same time has its principles, Xi said. The positive market reactions mirrored Xi's remarks and reflected growing optimism about the easing of China-U.S. trade frictions. Following the leaders' phone talks, shipping demand surged, leading to a spike in freight rates, and U.S. stock indices saw substantial gains, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones all experiencing significant increases. Wu Zewei, a special researcher at Sushang Bank, said the London talks are expected to boost the prospects for bilateral cooperation. He stated that though the negotiations in London will not be easy and require in-depth discussions, the Geneva talks have laid a strong foundation for cooperation and the recent phone call between the two heads of state has provided direction for future negotiations. "The cooperation between China and the U.S. has significant potential. In the future, both countries can still achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, fostering shared prosperity and creating a better life for their peoples," said Wu. View original content: SOURCE CGTN Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why are more Americans filing for Social Security benefits?
(NewsNation) — More older Americans are claiming their Social Security benefits earlier, a potentially alarming trend that could significantly reduce the income many rely on in their golden years. As of May, individual retirement claims are up 13% in the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year, an increase of nearly 320,000 claims, according to the latest Social Security data. To put the recent surge in perspective: From 2012 to 2024, retirement claims rose by an average of just 3% per year, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute, a research group. Plan to garnish Social Security checks for student loan debt paused Part of the recent uptick is due to more retirees claiming Social Security benefits earlier, a choice that permanently reduces their monthly checks if done before full retirement age. Jack Smalligan, a senior policy fellow at the Urban Institute, described the increase in earlier claims as 'disconcerting' because it can impact people's 'long-term retirement security.' 'For most individuals, delaying the time that they claim Social Security is a smart retirement decision,' Smalligan said. While demographic factors, such as an aging population, have contributed to the rise, increased concern over the Trump administration's handling of the system may also help explain the surge. Social Security data shows the spike in monthly claims was especially pronounced in November and January — the month Trump was elected and the month he took office. Polling shows public concern about Social Security is now at a 15-year high, an uptick that coincides with the Trump administration's plans to slash the agency's workforce. The president and advisers, like Elon Musk, have made unfounded claims about rampant fraud within the system, while website outages have also caused confusion. Smalligan pointed to the recent surge in calls to Social Security and the rise in field office visits as further signs of growing anxiety. At the same time, top Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, have amplified those fears with misleading claims that give the impression Americans' monthly retirement checks may not arrive. Democrats sound alarm on Social Security as Biden returns to stage Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has warned that Trump and Musk are coming for people's benefits and hiding behind bogus fraud claims to justify stealing people's checks. The political rhetoric appears to be resonating, but it's also fueling the broader uncertainty, potentially causing real harm. During a meeting in March, Social Security officials said that 'fearmongering has driven people to claim benefits earlier,' The Wall Street Journal reported. Overall, 52% of Americans say they worry a 'great deal' about the Social Security system, up from 43% in 2024, according to Gallup. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, that figure rises to 65% — a 30-point increase from the previous year. 'No one's scheming right now to privatize Social Security or dismantle it … that type of fearmongering is not helpful,' said Charles Blahous, a researcher at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University who specializes in Social Security. While Social Security does face long-term financial challenges, the system isn't going away, and future policy uncertainty isn't a good reason to claim benefits early today, Blahous said. Trump has repeatedly promised not to cut Social Security benefits, while Democrats argue that staffing reductions will make it harder for retirees to access services, undermining the system in a different way. Other factors, unrelated to political rhetoric, could also be driving the rise in retirement claims. There are three key reasons for the uptick, according to a Social Security official: The start of the peak 65 baby boom, a massive surge of Americans turning 65 years old Implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which increased benefits for certain workers receiving pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security Improved outreach notifying spouses of Social Security beneficiaries that they may be eligible for a higher benefit Blahous acknowledged that the three factors are real but thinks 'the jury's still out' on how much of the recent rise is due to anxiety about the program's future. Another possibility is that stock market volatility, partly driven by Trump's ever-changing trade policies, temporarily lowered the balances of millions of retirement accounts and prompted some older Americans to claim their more reliable Social Security benefits earlier than planned. Americans can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but that doesn't mean they should. Claiming before full retirement age permanently reduces monthly benefits, which is why waiting often makes more financial sense. It's even more concerning when that decision is driven by fear about the program's future rather than a careful assessment of personal circumstances. 'It's basically an irrevocable decision, which is all the more reason why people should be very cautious about when they make it,' Blahous said. When is the best age to take Social Security? Someone who turns 62 in 2025 would see their monthly benefit lowered by about 30% versus what it would be at their full retirement age of 67. On the other hand, those who delay claiming until after their full retirement age receive an 8% increase for each year they wait, up to age 70. That can amount to thousands of dollars. In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit is $2,831 for someone retiring at 62, but it rises to $5,108 for those retiring at 70. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
