The Social Security Administration has reversed a planned policy that would have forced some elderly and disabled recipients to verify their identities in person starting April 14.
The change follows significant public backlash, with critics warning the policy would burden millions—especially those with mobility issues or who live far from SSA offices.
Instead, beneficiaries will now be allowed to verify their identities over the phone, thanks in part to new anti-fraud software that can flag suspicious claims.
The agency receives roughly 4.5 million phone claims annually, with about 70,000 flagged for potential fraud.
