Social Security walks back cuts to phone services, announces ‘anti-fraud check'
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reiterated Tuesday its plans to walk back proposed cuts to its phone services, saying it would be implementing an 'anti-fraud check.'
'Beginning on April 14, #SocialSecurity will perform an anti-fraud check on all claims filed over the telephone and flag claims that have fraud risk indicators,' SSA posted on social platform X.
Individuals that are flagged will be required to prove their identity in person in order for their Social Security claim to be processed. If no flag is detected, they can proceed online without an in-person check, the agency said.
'We will continue to conduct 100 percent ID proofing for all in-person claims. 4.5 million telephone claims a year and 70K may be flagged,' SSA added in their post.
'Telephone remains a viable option to the public,' the agency said, seemingly withdrawing its earlier push for all in-person activity.
Last month, SSA announced it would no longer allow individuals to verify their identity over the phone. Instead, the agency said people would have to take steps to authenticate their claim and prove their identity online or through an in-person visit.
Changes were set to go into effect March 31 and would impact more than 72 million people who rely on Social Security.
Following an outcry from the public over the decision, the SSA changed course before it was set to go into place.
'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,' acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek said, noting the phone services would be available starting in mid-April.
The news came as dozens of SSA offices across the country had plans to close some time this year as part of the Department of Government Efficiency 's (DOGE) cuts to federal spending.
SSA later said it was not permanently closing offices but 'from time to time,' it may 'temporarily' close offices due to 'weather, damage, or facilities issues.'
DOGE argued that changes to the agency would help prevent direct deposit fraud when 'fraudsters' call the SSA and change their direct deposit number.
The updated SSA policy has eased some concerns for rural communities and people who require assistance to travel to the in-person offices. The visits, however, will still be required for Retirement, Survivors or Auxiliary (Spouse of Child) benefit applications, the agency said in late March.
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