AARP calls latest Social Security changes ‘unacceptable.’ Will you be impacted?

As the Social Security Administration prepares to make major changes in how beneficiaries prove their identity, the AARP is asking the agency to reconsider the plan.

“Asking tens of millions of Americans to jump through new hoops and prove their identity in the next 13 days to access the customer service they have paid for is deeply unacceptable,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer.

LeaMond’s comments come after interim SSA commissioner Lee Dudek announced last week a plan to end ID verification over the phone. Beneficiaries who need to make changes to their SSA banking information will now have to use the online service “My Social Security” or make an in person visit.

The new policy goes into effect March 31 and will impact new Social Security applicants and existing recipients needing to change their direct deposit information.

AARP says the change will make it even more difficult for Americans to get help from an agency that it says is already understaffed. Critics of the moves also say it will make it tougher for older Americans, those with disabilities, and those in rural areas who may not have internet access or know how to use the online system.

Although the policy change doesn’t impact the amount of benefits received, if could create payment problems. If a beneficiary needs to make a change, but can’t make it to an in-person appointment to verify their ID, their payment could be held until the update is made.

“We urge the agency to reverse this decision or for Congress to step in and stand up for older Americans everywhere,” LeaMond said.

Dudek called the changes “a common sense measure” that will help curb direct deposit fraud, a problem he says costs the agency $100 million annually.

“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Dudek said. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”

While Dudek claims the changes will curb fraud, LeaMond said it could actually have the opposite effect.

“Creating a confusing new set of identity requirements on unfamiliar app platforms, with just a few weeks to comply, without a clear public education campaign, will provide criminals a ripe environment to steal the sensitive information of Americans and drain their life savings,” LeaMond said.

SSA employees are currently undergoing training on the new system ahead of the switch over next week, according to Dudek. As part of the changes, once direct deposit information is updated, it will take one business day before going into effect. Under the current system, direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.

Approximately 72.5 million Americans receive Social Security benefits.

— Matt Durr, MLive, mattdurr@mlive.com