Social Security changes raise worries

A Kootenai County senior who heard about pending changes to Social Security was worried Wednesday.  

The 83-year-old wasn’t sure if she had to do anything differently to continue receiving her benefits and finding information proved difficult. Online sources gave conflicting stories and phone calls to the local Social Security office got her nowhere. 

“A lot of us are getting nervous,” said the 83-year-old, who gave The Press her name but asked that it not be published because she worries about identity theft. 

The Social Security Administration tried to clarify things Wednesday. 

In a press release, it said it is taking steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures.  

It said in-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14. 

“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security.

Under the updated policy, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income who cannot use a personal Social Security account can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office. 

Individuals who cannot use their personal Social Security account to apply for benefits will only need to prove their identity at a Social Security office if applying for Retirement, Survivors or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits, the release said. 

According to the website, www.ssa.gov, “There is no need to contact Social Security to prove identity if not applying for benefits and if not changing direct deposit information for current benefits.

"People will continue to receive their benefits and on schedule to the bank account information in Social Security’s records without needing to prove identity," it said.

Last week, SSA announced a plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing 47 field offices in 18 states, the Associated Press reported.  

According to the SSA, 71.6 million people received benefits from its programs in 2023. 

SSA is gearing up to ensure staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement. Dudek said it extended the new policy’s effective date by two weeks, initially set for March 31, to ensure employees have the training they need to help beneficiaries. 

It also recently required nearly all agency employees to work in the office five days a week. 

“The agency will continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure it pays the right person the right amount at the right time while safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers,” the release said. 

Teresa Espe with Miles Insurance Team in Coeur d’Alene said they have not received any calls from seniors about the Social Security changes but recommended anyone with questions call Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors in Idaho at 800-247-4422 or call Miles Insurance at 208-765-6849.

The senior who contacted The Press on Wednesday said she worked until two years ago and has been frugal. 

“It's a good thing I put that money in the bank,” she said. “You don't live on Social Security, I'll tell you that."