The Social Security Administration announced that individuals seeking retirement or survivor benefits can continue to file applications over the phone. This decision reverses a recent policy change that would have forced tens of thousands of Americans to visit Social Security offices in person each week. The now-reversed restriction was part of a policy shift aimed at reducing fraud, particularly concerning direct deposits.
The agency had initially indicated that individuals could no longer file for benefits or make changes to their direct deposit banking over the phone, with the policy set to take effect on April 14. However, the restriction has been rolled back after significant backlash from beneficiary advocates and lawmakers. Doris Diaz, the agency’s acting deputy commissioner for operations, highlighted in an April 7 memo to Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner, that there were minimal instances of fraud in teleclaims.
Fraud checks for phone claims
Following the outcry, the agency partially reversed the phone restrictions even before this latest announcement. It allowed individuals to file for disability, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare using their phones, while those filing for retirement or survivors benefits had to do so online or in person.
The latest update now permits everyone, including those filing for retirement or survivor benefits, to file via phone unless their files are flagged as suspicious. In such cases, individuals will need to provide identification in person. Beneficiaries looking to change their direct deposit accounts will still need to do so either online or in person at a field office.
This move is seen as a response to widespread criticism of recent administrative changes and staff cuts, which had caused significant anxiety and confusion among both employees and beneficiaries.
Image Credits: Photo by Bagus Hernawan; Unsplash
