Anyone know if this is true? That every social security must prove their identity?

[Demsrule86]

https://www.tododisca.com/en/major-changes-pensioners-aged-62-march-26-2025-social-security-increase/



BEGINS APRIL 1st?!!

[SheltieLover]

1. It is my understanding that only if you are moving or changing direct deposit information that this is required

[Demsrule86]

2. That is what I thought too. This website is for the disabled and seniors.

[SheltieLover]

5. Does it not specify when one needs to take this action?

[Demsrule86]

9. You can read it online but it says April.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

57. I was wondering the same thing. I'll bet there is going to be a mass run to the SS offices on that day.

They’re not exactly make my it clear what exactly you need to do.

[flamingdem]

3. What about applying for the first time for retirement benefits?

Seems unclear if you have to go in person if you have an ID.Me account.

[Demsrule86]

4. I think you would need to go in person. They won't let you do it online.

[SheltieLover]

8. What about over phine?

[Demsrule86]

11. It says in person.

And they shut down many social security offices.
Hi how are you?

[SheltieLover]

13. Im ok, considering, thx. Hru?

I hope these cuts & closures are being litigated.

[Skittles]

10. this is what I see

You do need to visit a Social Security office to prove your identity if you don't create an account to apply for cash benefits or change direct deposit information, or to finish an application started on the telephone or if using a paper application, including claims filed by third parties.1 day ago

[Demsrule86]

15. That is what I thought to. But this says you won't receive a check until you do so.

Social Security Payments in March: Increased Benefits and Special Schedule for Retirees Born Late in the Month

Payments for pensioners aged 70 will not arrive until 28 March for these beneficiaries
Bank of America warns that it will cancel all accounts that do not meet this requirement
Francisco Garrido 25/03/2025 16:31
Major changes for pensioners aged 62 as of March 26, 2025: Social Security increase

March 2025 Payment Date and Who Will Receive It
As in prior months, the COLA-adjusted payments will be delivered according to the regular Social Security schedule. In March, beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month—and who began receiving benefits at age 62—will receive their payment on March 26, 2025.

[Skittles]

19. where does it say anything about on-site visiting

[Demsrule86]

21. I posted the article link. I have new/ old eBay iPad so I have some difficulty. It seems to be legit.

It did change after I first read it so maybe updated.

[greatauntoftriplets]

27. That's quite the run-on sentence.

Seems like they're deliberately trying to make it confusing.

[EndlessWire]

52. I read this several times

and it doesn't make sense to me. But, I can't find it on the site, anyway. So, I'm still confused.

How could Bank of America know if you went to some SSA office?

[Skittles]

54. they wouldn't

I think we are going to have to rely on testimonials from DUers embarking on the SS onboarding chaos, er, process

[SickOfTheOnePct]

39. You can still apply online

Just have to be able to prove identity.

[Ms. Toad]

40. No. An in-person visit is only required if you cannot establish your identity

through their online identity verification.

[flamingdem]

49. Thank you!

Really hard to wade through the confusing statements.

[Jack Valentino]

60. An article I read today said that "some" will have to verify in person,

but some who already have SS accounts online "may not" have to appear in person....
All the information on this that I have found is a little vague, so far....


What is NOT vague, is that this administration wants to WRECK the Social Security program, IMHO--
by firing workers and closing offices and making everything much more difficult.
They maintain that they "will not cut benefits"---
but this is a "back-door method" to accomplish the same result
through "rules"

Personally, I just got accepted for early retirement the first of this month, which took three months (rather than one),
received payment for two months, and am due for my first "regular payment" in mid-April....

These stories today about required "in-person verification" are indeed alarming,
as I don't have my car on the road at present... and was relying on credit
and very small internet survey earnings to get me through to
my anticipated first SS payment in mid-April....

I do have the SS online account, and hope that will suffice to prevent the necessity of reporting
in person to an S.S. office--- but I know that one of my older sisters who has been on S.S. disability
for many years, certainly does not have any such account, doesn't drive,
is mentally disabled and has moved away from the Lansing Michigan SS office...

There should be an extreme uproar about this new "requirement",
if it is true!

[SheltieLover]

7. Used to be able to initiate Disability & retirement via phone

Not sure about whether this still holds true.

[Demsrule86]

22. Hell, you used to be signed up automatically.

[SheltieLover]

23. Really?

That sounds fabulous.

[Ms. Toad]

41. I think that is what is changing -

going forward it will all be online or in person to initiate retirement.

[halobeam]

48. my understanding is that if you have the "proper" documents to apply online, you can, but not on the phone.

I tried to find what they define as "proper", but I couldn't find that information. I have original documents, so we'll see how it goes. I too, am applying first time benefits.

[flamingdem]

50. I'm getting close to my time to apply

Think that they want the birth certificate and drivers license.

I haven't hit "apply" yet though. Whole thing making me anxious.

[halobeam]

55. I can't say I blame you

I'm feeling it too. I'm sure we're in a rather large club.

[Ms. Toad]

6. I don't see anything at that website that discusses proof of identity.

(Not even for new applicants, let alone every beneficiary.)

It's a trash website, by the way, with alarmist headlines that say little but create anxiety (e.g. Bank of America warns that it will cancel all accounts that do not meet this requirement. The warning was officially published on the bank's website - what requirement? that isn't even clear from reading the article - what warning? the article doesn't include the warning)

[TommyT139]

30. The use of "pensioners" is suspect, too, right?

As chaotic as this all is, there has to be better info.

My town has a person at the library from Office of the Aging (a social worker I think?). Does your town have anyone like this?

Rachel's show at the very moment is covering the changes in Social Security. Trump/Musk is crashing the whole system because they can't yet steal the money...is one interpretation anyway.

[Eugene]

12. Here's what the has been reported over the past 2 weeks...

From SSA.gov: What to Know about Proving Your Identity

________________________________________________

Social Security agency to require in-person or online identity confirmation (USA Today)

The new policy will officially begin on March 31, but the agency said it will carefully make the transition over the next two weeks.

To better protect from fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration announced it’ll be implementing “stronger identity verification procedures,” including requiring millions of recipients and applicants to physically go to agency field offices instead of phone calls.

The updated policy will be put in place over the next two weeks, according to the SSA. These safeguards will significantly impact individuals who seek services and who do not have access to their “My Social Security” account, which requires online identity proofing. The agency said that those in this situation must visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/03/19/social-security-in-person-identity-checks/82544877007/

The online verification options comes as news to me. No telling if it works or not.

________________________________________________

Social Security in-person identity checks opposed by advocates and retirees alike (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration’s plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing government offices has sparked a furor among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who are worried that the government is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population.

The new requirements will impact anyone who needs to verify their bank information with the agency, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify a child’s information on the SSA website. They are intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President Donald Trump and officials in his administration have claimed are widespread.

The agency announced Tuesday that, beginning March 31, those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s “my Social Security” online service will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process. They also announced recently that Social Security field offices across the country will be closing.

https://apnews.com/article/social-security-doge-fraud-services-35efe10cffa1ee40c1e9f12385b2cc35

[Ms. Toad]

42. The online identification has been there for a while,

and it has part of their "anti-fraud" changes since they first started yakking about it. If your identity can't be verified online, that's when you have to have an in person meeting. Only the phone option is vanishing.

[flamingdem]

51. Thank you!

Seems like it's still doable with an ID.me account.

[msfiddlestix]

14. I could have sworn this was always a thing, and I really don't have a problem with proving your I'd to collect SS.

why would anyone oppose that regulation?

[Demsrule86]

17. Really? I do. Especially after they have closed down multiple social security offices.

You could wait weeks or months.

[SheltieLover]

24. Absolutely!

[Demsrule86]

28. Thanks!

[SheltieLover]

37. Yw!

[msfiddlestix]

38. ok, So the issue really isn't about proving your identity, cuz I had to prove mine several years ago

when Obama was in office, I brought with me every vital doc proving my id.
the office was only open once a week for a half day. It was a small satellite office in East Oakland.
It reminded me of applying for AFDC back in the day when I was a single mom in the 70's in terms of the wait etc etc. Of course identity verification was always part of the process.

The issue is shutting down much needed offices and hiring personnel staff.

And of course the agenda is to dismantle the SS Department, and conducting high tech robbery.

[Ms. Toad]

43. You were permitted to go in person to start your ID,

But it hasn't been required. You could also start it online or via phone. They are taking away the phone option, which will mean that people who have less information about themselves available online will be less able to use the online option - and will be forced to make an appointment . . . if they can get through on the phone lines, and then go in person to an appointment - which might be months away, at a location which could be a significant distance from their homes.

I did my spouse's application online - it would only have taken an hour or so, aside from the WEP documentation required, which is no longer an issue.

[msfiddlestix]

45. Back in 2013 I wasn't aware it could be done on line, it never occurred to me that it was a thing.

Even if I knew that, I'd still have to deal with proving my identification cuz it was a bit complicated. It's all sorted out now, but imagining doing that online seems extremely problematic if it's as complicated as mine. Although I have to say, once there, it was a rather painless process.

[Ms. Toad]

46. The point of requiring in person visits now,

with fewer offices, and no telephone option, is to make it more painful. They aren't trying to eliminate fraud. They are trying to discourage legitimate beneficiaries from being able to access their benefits.

[msfiddlestix]

56. Gotcha, that is the point. Requiring proof of citizen ship has to be done in person is about bogging down the process.

[totodeinhere]

16. Only if you change your deposit information or sign up for the first time.

69 million people get SS benefits. It would be logistically imposable for all 69 million of them to have to physically visit an SS office to prove their identity.

[Demsrule86]

18. Thank God.

[TommyT139]

31. Also informing re spouse death?

I feel like I read that -- which just sounds horrific.

[Demsrule86]

20. More Info

Social Security retirement payments for beneficiaries aged 70 may arrive in the bank accounts of citizens of the United States in the next few hours, but it could also arrive later. The specific day will depend on several factors, but what we must always bear in mind in this regard is the group of retirees and the chosen collection method.

On the one hand, it is true that we could receive the pension payment on 26 March, but on the other hand it is mandatory to have a specific collection method in order to receive it on that day. On top of that, we must be part of pensioner group 4. And the type of pension does not matter in order to be part of this group, nor does the amount we receive matter. Same site.

[SheltieLover]

25. I wonder what the last paragraph means?

[Demsrule86]

26. They intend to fuck us over- no doubt.

[SheltieLover]

36. Oh I have no doubt.

[Ms. Toad]

44. That's just a bunch of gibberish.

Find a more direct site. I think that one was created using poorly trained artificial intelligence.

[mucholderthandirt]

29. I only trust what's on the SS government website. Nothing else.

Some of these sites get you all worked up and worried about shit that isn't true, or is told in a way that isn't fully correct.

I signed up for my SS online and didn't have to go in person or present much evidence of who I was. Seems like the site for sure already knew me, where I lived, worked, how long it'd been since I worked, what I earned and more. I was basically just agreeing with them. It's kind of scary, really, to have it confirmed just how much the government keeps up with you.

[Demsrule86]

32. That is true. I checked the site and it seemed OK.

[radical noodle]

33. I found this website dated today

So the info should be up-to-date.

https://www.ssa.gov/news/identity-proofing.html?

[flamingdem]

53. I hope this is correct

Looks like one can first time apply with an official social security account. Good deal.

[bdamomma]

34. This is

chaos. There were no problems like this in decades till this felon and his sick cult stole power.

Never

[moniss]

35. I think they will move in that direction of

doing it to everyone rather than just those making changes. They may do it by cutting off payments and then making you "reapply/verify" in a process where a decision could take months or years because of massive under-staffing etc. and phony "we did not receive the required paperwork" sorts of crap.

[Retrograde]

47. We had to, when we applied for Medicare

they had an on-line verification system that didn't work all that well at the time (ten years ago), so we ended up going to the local Social Security office. It was a moderately long wait, but the human we talked to was competent, friendly, and knew most of the problems in the system so we were able to get everything resolved in a matter of minutes.

[a kennedy]

58. I could be wrong, but Rachel just said that IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.....

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN…..

[tinymontgomery]

59. I was on yesterday and had to redo my ID.gov

I've been using ID.gov for about 3 yrs on all my gov site, VA, SSN etc and never had to re verify. Yesterday I go on the
VA site, log in, no problem. The SSN show that I have to re-verify my ID and that is after I entered my password and they sent me
a verification code. A real pain in the ass.