The Department of Government Efficiency has been tasked with cutting waste in the federal government, including several leases, but DOGE has recalibrated parts of its plans for the Social Security offices.
As part of cuts to government leases on buildings, DOGE had previously boasted about the 47 Social Security office properties it aimed to cut, but now the government site only lists 23 Social Security offices set to have their leases terminated. In a statement to NOTUS, a DOGE spokesperson said they were “adjusting” their approach where “current space remains the most suitable option.”
The changes to the number of Social Security offices having their leases terminated come as the agency has outlined how it will modify identity checks, removing the option to do so over the phone. The remaining options for beneficiaries will be in person at a Social Security office or online by making a “My Social Security” account.
When will SSA need to confirm your ID
The Social Security Administration said identity checks will occur whenever a person is claiming benefits or changes his or her direct deposit information.
The identity checks will apply to both new and existing Social Security beneficiaries. The changes will also allow for quicker processing of direct deposit change requests, reducing the time from 30 days to one business day.
Where do you need to go to confirm
The Social Security Administration announced it will change its policy beginning March 31 to no longer allow identity checks over the phone.
Going forward identity verification will occur either online by creating and using a “My Social Security” account, or by going to a Social Security office to verify identity in-person. The Social Security Administration has an office locator on its website.
To verify an identity in person, people may make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. The SSA said that the agency’s return to office five days a week mandate means that “maximum staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.”
You’ll need to bring a tangible piece of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, alien or voter registration card, or union card.
Why the change?
The Social Security Administration claims the changes are being made to curb fraudulent activity, as the executive branch as a whole examines ways to curb waste and fraud.
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek said in a statement. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”
SOCIAL SECURITY TO IMPOSE IDENTITY CHECKS AND LIMIT PHONE SERVICES IN FRAUD CRACKDOWN
Elon Musk has repeatedly claimed that there are millions of people receiving benefits who shouldn’t be, even claiming that Democrats don’t want to fix fraud in the Social Security Administration because it hurts their electoral chances. Many of these claims are unproven.
The in-person verification changes will not affect lawful beneficiaries’s ability to get payments or the amount they are legally entitled to.
