The Social Security Administration announced it will allow identity verification over the phone instead of requiring in-person visits, which would have affected elderly and disabled individuals. The new phone verification policy will begin on April 14, replacing a requirement for in-person visits for those unable to verify identities online.
The Social Security Administration stated that applicants flagged for potential fraud will still need to verify their identities in person, and about 70,000 claims are flagged annually. Advocates welcomed the change but emphasized the need for improvements in customer service at the Social Security Administration, which has faced staffing cuts and increasing concerns among seniors regarding their benefits.
