In an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures.

Summary

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will require in-person identity verification for new applicants and recipients changing direct deposit, ending phone-based verification.

The move comes as the agency plans to close 47 offices and lay off thousands of workers. Critics warn it will burden seniors, disabled individuals, and rural residents.

Democrats accuse Trump and Musk of undermining Social Security to push privatization.

Unions have sued to block DOGE from accessing sensitive Social Security data.

  • Bob Robertson IX @discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    1·
    10 hours ago

    Who’s making excuses? I believe I made it abundantly clear that these changes are bullshit. But it is also shitty journalism to heavily imply that everyone on Social Security is going to have to start going to a SSA office in person, when that is not the case.

    And yes, community won’t be able to replace this system… but maybe we should still try, because like it or not, the fascists are currently in control and we need to do something to cover the gap between when things start getting bad (now) to when things are really bad (later) to when things are hopefully getting better (much later). But assholes will still flock to the comments to fight amongst themselves screaming that the lack of a perfect solution means we shouldn’t do anything.