Social Security Delays New Identity Verification Rules, Exempts Vulnerable Groups

The SSA has postponed the rollout to April 14 and adjusted the policy to exclude SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants from in-person requirements.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has delayed the implementation of stricter identity verification measures from March 31 to April 14, 2025, to allow for employee training and adjustments.
Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are now exempt from the in-person identity verification requirement.
The policy will still apply to retirement, survivors, and family benefit claims unless users can verify their identity online.
The SSA has introduced exceptions for extreme dire-need cases, such as terminal illnesses or prisoner pre-release scenarios, to ease the burden on vulnerable populations.
The changes come during a period of operational strain for the SSA, which is simultaneously reducing its workforce and closing field offices, raising concerns about service accessibility and delays.