Social Security to Require In-Person Identity Checks for Millions of Recipients/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Social Security Administration (SSA) will soon require millions of beneficiaries to verify their identity in person instead of over the phone. The change, set to begin March 31, is aimed at reducing fraud but has drawn criticism for limiting access for elderly and disabled Americans, especially in rural areas. This policy shift coincides with planned SSA office closures and federal layoffs under Trump and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising concerns about the future of Social Security services. The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is moving forward with massive cuts to Social Security Administration (SSA) offices nationwide. A leaked General Services Administration (GSA) document reveals 26 SSA offices across 15 states will close this year, with more expected in 2026. These closures come as the administration implements in-person identity verification, forcing millions to visit SSA offices while simultaneously reducing access.
SSA’s New In-Person Verification Rule: Quick Look
- Starting March 31, SSA will no longer allow phone-based identity verification.
- Those unable to verify identity online must visit SSA field offices in person.
- Retiree advocates warn this will hurt elderly, disabled, and rural Americans.
- The policy coincides with office closures and federal layoffs under DOGE.
- Direct deposit changes will now process in one day instead of 30.
- SSA is losing over $100 million annually due to direct deposit fraud.
- Democrats accuse Trump and Musk of using the rule to undermine Social Security.
Social Security Office Closures: Quick Look
- 26 SSA offices confirmed to shut down in 2025.
- Leaked document reveals state-by-state closure timeline.
- Offices closing despite new in-person ID verification rules.
- Closures are part of Elon Musk’s DOGE agency plan to cut federal real estate costs.
- Millions of Americans may face longer wait times and reduced access to Social Security services.
Trump Administration’s Social Security Overhaul Sparks Backlash
In-Person Identity Verification Required for Millions
Starting March 31, new Social Security applicants and existing recipients who need to change direct deposit information will be required to verify their identity in person at an SSA field office if they are unable to do so online.
“The Social Security Administration is losing over $100 million a year in direct deposit fraud,” said Leland Dudek, SSA’s acting commissioner, in his first media briefing. “This is a common-sense measure to protect benefits while improving efficiency.”
The SSA will no longer allow phone verification, which many seniors, disabled individuals, and rural Americans rely on. Critics argue that SSA field office closures—part of Trump and Musk’s broader push to shrink the federal government—will make in-person verification even harder for those in remote areas.
“This is an effort to create chaos at SSA so they can privatize the system,” said Rep. John Larson (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee.
SSA Closures and Layoffs Intensify Concerns
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been systematically cutting government agencies, including Social Security offices.
The DOGE website confirms that leases for 47 SSA offices—in states like Arkansas, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina—have already ended or are scheduled to close.
SSA downplayed the impact, claiming that most were small remote hearing sites. However, advocates warn that millions of seniors and disabled Americans will struggle to access services if in-person verification becomes mandatory while offices are shutting down.
Direct Deposit Changes Now Processed Faster
In an effort to expedite services, SSA also announced that direct deposit change requests will now be processed in one business day, instead of the previous 30-day waiting period.
“We’re modernizing SSA systems to better serve Americans,” Dudek said.
This faster processing aims to reduce fraud and streamline payments, but critics argue it’s a distraction from larger access issues caused by in-person verification mandates and office closures.
Musk’s Role in Reshaping Social Security
Elon Musk, who leads DOGE, has long criticized Social Security—calling it a Ponzi scheme and advocating for massive spending cuts.
Musk’s involvement in SSA restructuring has fueled speculation that Social Security could be targeted for privatization. His past rhetoric, combined with DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting measures, has alarmed retirees and Democrats.
Lawsuits and Public Outcry Against DOGE
Concerns over Social Security access and data security have led to lawsuits against DOGE.
Last week, a coalition of labor unions sued the Trump administration, seeking an emergency order to prevent DOGE from accessing the sensitive personal data of millions of Social Security recipients.
Meanwhile, voters across the country have flooded town halls, demanding answers from Republican lawmakers about how these changes will impact their benefits.
Which Social Security Offices Are Closing in 2025?
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has canceled nearly 800 federal leases, including those for Social Security Administration (SSA) offices across the country.
Full List of 2025 SSA Office Closures
| State | Office Address | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 634 Broad St., Gadsden | Sept. 30 |
| Arkansas | 965 Holiday Drive, Forrest City | April 25 |
| 4083 Jefferson Ave., Texarkana | May 25 | |
| Colorado | 825 N. Crest Drive, Grand Junction | June 21 |
| Florida | 4740 Dairy Road, Melbourne | May 16 |
| Georgia | 1338 Broadway, Columbus | Sept. 30 |
| Kentucky | 825 High St., Hazard | April 24 |
| Louisiana | 178 Civic Center Drive, Houma | April 25 |
| Mississippi | 4717 26th St., Meridian | June 1 |
| 604 Yalobusha St., Greenwood | June 1 | |
| 2383 Sunset Drive, Grenada | May 1 | |
| Montana | 3701 American Way, Missoula | June 21 |
| North Carolina | 730 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids | Aug. 1 |
| 2123 Lakeside Drive, Franklin | June 23 | |
| 2805 Charles Blvd., Greenville | June 24 | |
| 1865 W. City Drive, Elizabeth City | June 24 | |
| North Dakota | 1414 20th Ave. SW, Minot | June 21 |
| Nevada | 701 Bridger Ave., Las Vegas | June 1 |
| New York | 75 S. Broadway, White Plains | May 31 |
| 332 Main St., Poughkeepsie | July 31 | |
| Ohio | 30 N. Diamond St., Mansfield | May 17 |
| Oklahoma | 1610 SW Lee Blvd., Lawton | April 25 |
| Texas | 1122 N. University Drive, Nacogdoches | May 7 |
| 8208 NE Zac Lentz Parkway | May 25 | |
| West Virginia | 1103 George Kostas Drive, Logan | April 30 |
| Wyoming | 79 Winston Drive, Rock Springs | June 20 |
Concerns Over Reduced Access
The closure of SSA offices will disproportionately impact rural Americans, disabled individuals, and seniors, particularly those who rely on in-person services due to limited internet access or mobility issues.
“These closures are part of a broader attempt to shrink the federal government at the expense of ordinary Americans,” said a former SSA official.
SSA leadership has downplayed the closures, saying many of the offices serve few customers and that online services remain available.
However, voter outrage has been growing, with town halls flooded with seniors demanding answers on whether their benefits will be affected.
What’s Next?
- March 31: New in-person identity verification rules take effect.
- More SSA offices expected to close, potentially increasing wait times.
- Legal challenges against DOGE intensify, as courts review SSA policy changes.
- Congressional Democrats push back, seeking to block potential privatization efforts.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.