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 for claims made over the phone. Beginning on Monday, the agency will conduct an anti-fraud check on all claims filed over the phone and will require in-person ID proofing for any claims flagged as possibly fraudulent.
When will SSA need to confirm your ID
The Social Security Administration said identity checks will occur whenever a person claims benefits or changes his or her direct deposit information. The identity checks will also be required any time a beneficiary attempts to make a claim over the phone and is flagged by anti-fraud technology.
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
If recipients want to update direct deposit information, 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.
When recipients are trying to make a claim over the phone and are flagged by anti-fraud technology, they will need to verify their identity in person at an office.
To verify an identity in person, people may make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. The SSA said the agency’s return-to-office mandate for five days a week means that “maximum staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.”
One will need to bring a tangible piece of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, alien or voter registration card, or union card.
“Individuals who are not flagged will be able to complete their claim without any in-person requirements,” the agency said in a statement about requiring in-person verification for possibly fraudulent phone claims. “4.5 million telephone claims a year and 70K may be flagged. Telephone remains a viable option to the public.”
Why the change?
The SSA said changes are being made to curb fraudulent activity as the executive branch 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 said there are millions of people receiving benefits who shouldn’t be, claiming that Democrats don’t want to fix fraud in the SSA because it hurts their electoral chances. Many of these claims are unproven.
The in-person verification changes will not affect lawful beneficiaries’ ability to get payments or the amount they are legally entitled to.
