Latest news with #SecurityAuthenticationPin
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Social security to get huge August update for millions of Americans? SSA provides key update
Synopsis The Social Security Administration has reversed its plan to mandate a one-time PIN for phone verification after facing criticism from advocacy groups. The initial proposal would have required millions to use an online PIN, potentially overwhelming offices with in-person visits. Now, the PIN remains optional, offering a faster verification method for those with online accounts while retaining existing phone procedures. Reuters The SSA said it would introduce a new multi-factor authorization policy starting mid-August, adding that it plans to roll out a new Security Authentication Pin The Social Security Administration is walking back a controversial policy proposal that would have required millions of Americans to verify their identity with a one-time PIN when using the agency's national phone line. The rule, which sparked widespread concern among advocacy groups and retirees alike, will no longer be mandatory, the SSA has now confirmed. The SSA's previous controversial policy that would have required millions of Americans to verify their identity with a one-time PIN when using the agency's national phone line sparked massive outrage. In August, the agency proposed that anyone calling on to update personal information, check the status of benefits, or request forms would need to retrieve a Security Authentication PIN (SAP) through their online "my Social Security" account before completing their call. ALSO READ: Social Security in August: Recipients to receive their checks on these dates. How can you make the most of it? The SSA said it would introduce a new multi-factor authorization policy starting mid-August, adding that it plans to roll out a new Security Authentication Pin (SAP) to protect beneficiaries' personal accounts. That plan drew fierce criticism from organizations like AARP and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, who said the change could have forced millions of seniors and disabled Americans to make in-person visits to field offices. Later on, the SSA issued a clarification in this announcement of introducing one-time PIN triggered sharp criticism from advocates who suggested that the in-person visits required to facilitate such a shift would put people with disabilities, senior citizens, and rural communities at risk of being left out. As concerns grew, the agency confirmed that in-office visits would not be mandatory for those willing to opt into the SSA's latest security provision. ALSO READ: Stimulus payments August 2025: These US states will receive financial benefit. Do you qualify?'The filing with OMB will be amended to clarify that the use of the Security Authentication PIN (SAP) feature is entirely optional,' a spokesperson for the agency told Newsweek. 'We are encouraging my Social Security account holders to use the enhanced SAP feature to quickly and securely verify their identity when calling the National 800 Number. Beneficiaries and my Social Security account holders are not required to set up or have a SAP for identity verification or manage their benefits over the phone – when calling the National 800 Number, they will continue to use the existing identity verification process.' "The policy is being updated to clarify that the PIN feature is optional," an SSA spokesperson said, according to Nextgov. "Callers who prefer not to use the SAP will still be able to verify their identity using current phone procedures."According to SSA estimates, the now-abandoned mandate could have led to over three million additional trips to Social Security offices annually, overwhelming a system already facing long wait times and staffing shortages. This update brings relief to many older Americans who feared the change would make it harder to access Social Security services—especially those in rural areas with poor internet connectivity or individuals with disabilities that hinder online access. ALSO READ: Emergency air quality alert in New York as Canadian wildfire crisis escalates. Here's how you can track and what you should do Rather than requiring callers to use the Speech Access PIN (SAP) system, the agency is now encouraging those with online accounts to use their PIN to help shorten call times. According to the SSA, using a SAP can cut an average of three minutes off each call. However, it remains just one of several available identity verification options. ALSO READ: Who is Nancy Mace? Lawmaker who loves ICE detention videos now wants to govern South Carolina The SSA initially intended to require in-person visits for verification, eliminating the phone call option. However, this move would have added 3.4 million additional office visits, according to reports. With recent staffing cuts, each SSA employee is now responsible for an estimated 1,480 beneficiaries, per AFGE data—making the policy unmanageable. As a result, phone verification has been reinstated to ease the reversal is the latest in a series of policy shifts aimed at modernizing identity protection while still balancing accessibility. Earlier this year, the agency already made online verification mandatory for more sensitive actions like changing direct deposit information or applying for benefits. But even then, exceptions were made for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and certain Medicare enrollees.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Social Security change coming in August: SSA to roll out new policy. What to know
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will introduce a new multi-factor authorization policy starting mid-August. The agency plans to roll out a new Security Authentication Pin (SAP) to protect beneficiaries' personal accounts. Initially, the move drew sharp criticism from advocates who suggested that the in-person visits required to facilitate such a shift would put people with disabilities, senior citizens, and rural communities at risk of being left out. However, the SSA has provided clarification in this regard. Social Security Administration is rolling out a major change in August: Here's all you need to know about it(REUTERS) SSA clarifies the need for in-person visits In response to concerns, the agency confirmed that in-office visits would not be mandatory for those willing to opt into the SSA's latest security provision. 'The filing with OMB will be amended to clarify that the use of the Security Authentication PIN (SAP) feature is entirely optional,' a spokesperson for the agency told Newsweek on Thursday (July 31). 'We are encouraging my Social Security account holders to use the enhanced SAP feature to quickly and securely verify their identity when calling the National 800 Number. Beneficiaries and my Social Security account holders are not required to set up or have a SAP for identity verification or manage their benefits over the phone – when calling the National 800 Number, they will continue to use the existing identity verification process.' Why the sudden change? The SSA had initially planned on keeping the verification process open only for those willing to visit their nearest office, removing the option to do the same over a phone call. However, this would have added 3.4 million office visits to the SSA's schedule, per the outlet. Due to recent staffing cuts, 1 SSA employee is expected to serve 1,480 beneficiaries, as per AFGE's estimates, which implies that this policy would have overburdened the workforce as well. Now, the option to verify the same over the call is also available. In terms of changes, the agency has now started withholding up to 50% of benefits in case of overpayments. Improper payments usually occur due to miscalculation, failure to update status, or false income reporting. A beneficiary can ask for a waiver if they are facing financial troubles or are granted the option to appeal and request smaller withholdings. Beneficiaries must keep checking their notices and emails to be updated in case they are included in these categories. With contribution from Stuti Gupta
