Latest news with #mySocialSecurity
CNN
30-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
Social Security is making it harder for seniors to do routine tasks by phone in latest anti-fraud effort
Senior citizens soon won't be able to simply call the Social Security Administration to change their address or check the status of their benefit claim. Instead, they will have to first verify their identity online or go to a field office if they are unable to do so. In its latest effort to thwart fraud, the agency is expanding its online authentication requirement for address changes, claim status requests, benefit verification letters and tax statements, according to a regulatory filing Social Security recently submitted to the Office of Management and Budget. The agency intends to implement the change by August 18, assuming OMB approves it. Advocacy groups, however, are raising concerns that many senior citizens and people with disabilities will not be able to complete the verification process, which includes the generation of a one-time PIN, through their mySocialSecurity accounts. The agency said in the filing that it expects 3.4 million people will need to go to field offices annually to complete the tasks. 'For many older Americans, the phone is how they access Social Security services without having to rely on complicated technology or long, difficult, or costly trips to field offices,' Nancy LeaMond, AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, wrote in a letter Tuesday to Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. 'We are concerned that under this new policy, older Americans, especially those in rural areas, will have to call, wait on hold for possibly hours, and then wait weeks for an appointment — and in some cases even take time off work — to complete simple transactions they have long been able to do over the phone,' she wrote, urging the commissioner to reconsider the measure. After the publication of this story, a Social Security spokesperson said the report was inaccurate. The new identification process will not lead to increased field office visits and is 'completely optional,' the spokesperson said in an email to CNN. But in the agency's regulatory filing, there is no indication that the new policy is optional. The agency states in the filing that it expects there will be 3.4 million 'Respondents who decline to use SAP (Security Authentication PIN) and visit a field office for in-person identity proofing.' It currently takes 35 days to get an appointment at a Social Security field office, according to the agency, which has been reducing staff amid a major reorganization. The new policy is the agency's latest controversial attempt to combat fraud, spurred by the Trump administration. Prior efforts sparked widespread confusion among beneficiaries, who flocked to Social Security's 800 number or field offices, fearing they had to prove their identities in order to continue receiving their monthly payments. Social Security had to walk back a measure instituted this spring to review retirement benefit applications for fraud after the process created a backlog and flagged only a tiny number of claims for additional verification. But the agency retained an initiative that bars beneficiaries from changing their direct deposit information by telephone, requiring that they do so through their online accounts or at field offices. That policy is expected to send an additional 1.9 million people to field offices annually. There is no documentation that requesting address changes and other routine tasks over the phone leads to fraud, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 'There's just no evidence that this is a problem,' said Romig, who worked for the agency during the Biden administration. The new anti-fraud policies will increase field visits by 17%, requiring beneficiaries to spend 3 million hours driving to offices to complete their transactions, she estimated. The latest effort also aligns with Bisignano's push to have more beneficiaries use the agency's online services to handle their requests. All the tasks that require added verification can be done through mySocialSecurity. This article has been updated with additional developments.
CNN
29-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
Social Security is making it harder for seniors to do routine tasks by phone in latest anti-fraud effort
FacebookTweetLink Senior citizens soon won't be able to simply call the Social Security Administration to change their address or check the status of their benefit claim. Instead, they will have to first verify their identity online or go to a field office if they are unable to do so. In its latest effort to thwart fraud, the agency is expanding its online authentication requirement for address changes, claim status requests, benefit verification letters and tax statements, according to a regulatory filing Social Security recently submitted to the Office of Management and Budget. The agency intends to implement the change by August 18. Advocacy groups, however, are raising concerns that many senior citizens and people with disabilities will not be able to complete the verification process through their mySocialSecurity accounts. The agency said in the filing that it expects 3.4 million people will need to go to field offices annually to complete the tasks. 'For many older Americans, the phone is how they access Social Security services without having to rely on complicated technology or long, difficult, or costly trips to field offices,' Nancy LeaMond, AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, wrote in a letter Tuesday to Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. 'We are concerned that under this new policy, older Americans, especially those in rural areas, will have to call, wait on hold for possibly hours, and then wait weeks for an appointment — and in some cases even take time off work — to complete simple transactions they have long been able to do over the phone,' she wrote, urging the commissioner to reconsider the measure. It currently takes 35 days to get an appointment at a Social Security field office, according to the agency, which has been reducing staff amid a major reorganization. The new policy is the agency's latest controversial attempt to combat fraud, spurred by the Trump administration. Prior efforts sparked widespread confusion among beneficiaries, who flocked to Social Security's 800 number or field offices, fearing they had to prove their identities in order to continue receiving their monthly payments. Social Security had to walk back a measure instituted this spring to review retirement benefit applications for fraud after the process created a backlog and flagged only a tiny number of claims for additional verification. But the agency retained an initiative that bars beneficiaries from changing their direct deposit information by telephone, requiring that they do so through their online accounts or at field offices. That policy is expected to send an additional 1.9 million people to field offices annually. There is no documentation that requesting address changes and other routine tasks over the phone leads to fraud, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 'There's just no evidence that this is a problem,' said Romig, who worked for the agency during the Biden administration. The new anti-fraud policies will increase field visits by 17%, requiring beneficiaries to spend 3 million hours driving to offices to complete their transactions, she estimated. The latest effort also aligns with Bisignano's push to have more beneficiaries use the agency's online services to handle their requests. All the tasks that require added verification can be done through mySocialSecurity. Social Security did not return a request for comment on the regulatory filing.
The Hill
28-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Warren wants answers from Social Security chief on phone wait times
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is asking Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano to provide additional information about the wait times for phone calls, amid reports of discrepancies in data. In a letter sent Sunday evening to Bisignano, provided exclusively to The Hill, Warren followed up on her meeting with the SSA chief last Wednesday, when, the senator said, she secured a commitment from Bisignano 'that SSA would undergo a public audit by the Inspector General regarding your phone call wait time data reporting and that you would publish additional wait time data.' A June survey from Warren's staff found that wait times averaged nearly an hour and 45 minutes, with maximum wait times lasting longer than three hours, according to the senator. 'But the SSA is failing to provide policymakers and the public with accurate information about the extent of the problem, using convoluted calculations to obfuscate the real data, or withholding information entirely,' she wrote in her letter. Warren said she has communicated with the inspector general about the audit and thanked the SSA chief for 'agreeing to a rigorous, independent, public audit.' The senator did not specify when the audit would take place. She asked Bisignano to provide data by Aug. 11, including on the total number of calls received; details about the calls taken by an artificial intelligence tool — including the percentage of calls dropped, transferred, or ended without resolving the issue; the same details about the calls taken by a human customer service representative. Warren expressed similar concerns about the circumstances that, she said, led the SSA to send out 'an inaccurate and overtly partisan email to the millions of 'my Social Security' users that purportedly described the 'Big Beautiful Bill.'' 'The email contained a number of falsehoods about the benefits of the bill, including an inaccurate statement that it 'eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security,'' Warren wrote in the letter.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
2 Social Security changes that have happened in the last 4 weeks
2 Social Security changes that have happened in the last 4 weeks Show Caption Hide Caption Retirement group works to curb loneliness Combating loneliness and depression in their golden years, a Wisconsin senior citizen group is looking to add more members. Fox - Milwaukee If you're struggling to keep up with all the Social Security changes that have happened so far this year, you're not alone. The Trump Administration has put a lot of effort into revamping the program so far, leading to frequent rule changes, some of which have already been amended or reversed. The last four weeks alone have seen two Social Security changes that could have a significant effect on new applicants and existing beneficiaries. Here's what you need to know about these recent changes so you're not caught off guard. 1. An amendment to new identity proofing requirements Back in March, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a plan to institute new identity verification procedures for those who wanted to apply for Social Security benefits or make account changes over the phone. The initial announcement indicated that once these changes took effect, you'd have to visit a field office and have someone verify your identity before you could submit your application or process your change. A few weeks later, the SSA amended this to say that those applying for Social Security disability benefits, Medicare or SSI would be able to complete their applications over the phone, while everyone else would need to visit a field office if they chose not to complete their application through their my Social Security account. A second amendment came on April 14, when the SSA announced that anyone wishing to apply for Social Security or make account changes over the phone could do so. However, new technology will scan for signs of possible fraud. If your account is flagged, you may still need to visit a field office. That's where things stand for the time being. If you'd rather avoid all of this hassle, your best bet is to do as much as you can through your "my Social Security" account. You will have to go through some identity verification questions when you first open your account. But after that, you can quickly log in with a username and password. You won't have to deal with wait times or scheduling appointments like you would with phone or in-person support, so it's definitely your fastest option for applying or changing your address or direct deposit information. 2. Decreasing the overpayment recovery rate In March, President Trump reinstated the 100% overpayment recovery rate that had been in place prior to 2024. This enabled the Social Security Administration to withhold all of a person's future checks, if necessary, to recoup an accidental overpayment. This rule change left the 10% recovery rate cap in place for any overpayments that had occurred prior to March 27, 2025. But as of April 25, the government changed course and decided that all overpayments — past and future — would have a 50% recovery rate cap instead. This means the government can withhold up to 50% of your future benefit until it recoups the entire overpayment. Though overpayments are rare, when they do happen, losing half your checks could be devastating. Fortunately, that's not your only option to deal with an overpayment. If you still have the extra money, you can repay this directly to the SSA when you first notice the issue. This should prevent the government from garnishing any of your future checks. You can also contact the SSA to request a lower recovery rate if losing half your checks would be difficult for you financially. There's an option to request that the government waive the repayment collection altogether, too. It may do this if you can prove that the overpayment wasn't your fault and that it would cause you financial hardship to pay it back. If you have questions about any of these rule changes, it's best to reach out to the Social Security Administration directly. You may also want to keep your eyes out for future changes that could affect you or your benefits. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. The $ 22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook Offer from the Motley Fool: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets"could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. JoinStock Advisorto learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" »
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Social Security Announces Changes Coming This Summer: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Starting this summer, Social Security cardholders will have a new digital option for accessing their Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it will roll out secure digital SSN cards via the "my Social Security" online portal, offering a modern alternative to the traditional paper cards used for decades. Why It Matters The shift to digital is intended to improve convenience and security for millions of Americans. SSA officials say this innovation will cut down on the need for physical visits to Social Security offices and reduce the reliance on mailed replacement cards, processes that can take days or weeks. With the increasing risk of identity theft and fraud, a digital SSN offers users a faster and more secure way to retrieve their number when needed for everyday non-SSA-related transactions. According to SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek, the new feature is part of a broader effort to "provide better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure." A woman stands outside a US Social Security Administration building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. A woman stands outside a US Social Security Administration building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images What To Know The digital SSN feature will be available to people with a "my Social Security" account and can be accessed through the SSA portal on mobile or desktop devices. Once logged in, users would securely display their Social Security number on screen. The option is intended primarily for those who may have lost their paper cards or simply forgotten their number. This feature is not a digital ID or government-issued mobile credential, and doesn't replace the need for a physical card in all situations. Rather, it's an additional access method aimed at simplifying proof of identity in contexts like job applications or financial transactions requiring a Social Security number. The digital rollout is scheduled to begin in early summer 2025 and reach all SSA field offices and card centers nationwide by season's end, according to SSA's press release. What People Are Saying Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "Think about it, no more tearing apart your filing cabinet looking for that little blue card! You'll be able to pull up your Social Security number right on your phone or computer whenever you need it." "But here's the catch, what about grandma who still uses a flip phone? Or people without reliable internet? The SSA says they're keeping all the traditional options available too, so nobody gets left behind. They've already shown they're willing to adjust when they get pushback, which is reassuring." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "The move from physical cards to digital versions is a much-needed step forward for the SSA. It's about time we caught up with the digital age. That said, if you still prefer a physical copy, you can absolutely get one. The digital version is just an added layer of convenience." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "It's a long overdue update. For years, many Americans have been asking for a digital update to physical forms of ID, as it's vastly easier to keep track of and utilize. Obviously, the primary concern from a government-level was maintaining the security of the card to ensure data was protected. The new virtual access can be used to verify Social Security information in any situation so that individuals don't have to find their physical card or send off for a new one." What Happens Next Users who wish to take advantage of the new digital card will need to create or log in to their existing "my Social Security" account at SSA recommends that people ensure their personal contact information is current to avoid login issues or security verification delays. "This is for the Gen X'ers mainly; those that have fully embraced the digital age and the very young boomers that can handle this transition," Thompson said. As the rollout progresses, SSA plans to monitor feedback and adjust for usability and accessibility, particularly for older adults and people with limited digital literacy. The agency has said that the paper SSN cards will remain available, and the digital version is an optional enhancement, not a mandatory replacement. "This is the SSA finally catching up with the 21st century. For most of us, it'll make life easier, but the success will really depend on how well they handle the transition for vulnerable populations," Ryan said.
