Social Security Eases New Identity Rules for Vulnerable Groups Ahead of March 31 Rollout

The SSA exempts disability and SSI claimants from in-person verification requirements while addressing criticism over access and operational strain.

The Social Security Administration will implement new identity verification protocols on March 31, requiring claimants to verify identities online or in person, ending phone-based verification.
Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claimants are now exempt from the stricter in-person verification rules after public and congressional pressure.
The changes aim to combat fraud, which diverted $33.5 million in benefits from 2013 to 2018, but critics warn of barriers for rural, elderly, and disabled populations.
SSA officials anticipate an additional 75,000 to 85,000 weekly visits to field offices, raising concerns about delays and staffing shortages.
Updates on digital verification tools and further adjustments to the policy are expected in April as the SSA monitors the rollout's impact.