DOGE targets waste reduction in Social Security Administration.
The Social Security system is the latest focus of the Department of Government Efficiency’s initiative to significantly reduce governmental expenditures.
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- Starting April 14, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will introduce new anti-fraud checks on certain claims.
- Claims for Medicare, Disability, and SSI benefits will be exempt from the new in-person verification requirement.
- The SSA operates field offices in 23 cities across Mississippi.
The Social Security Administration will soon revise its identity verification processes. Initially, the agency indicated that all ID verifications needed to be conducted at local field offices, but this plan has since been adjusted.
Now, the SSA has stated that some users will still be able to complete certain processes over the phone and that individuals “will only need to come in-person if they are flagged by our anti-fraud system.”
If you or someone you know depends on Social Security benefits, it’s crucial to stay informed about the upcoming changes to access your information and receive your benefits without delay.
Here’s what you need to know regarding adjustments to Social Security verification, benefit applications, and the locations of Mississippi offices.
When will changes to Social Security identification commence?
According to the Social Security Administration, the new anti-fraud checks will begin on Monday, April 14.
When were these Social Security ID verification changes first announced?
In mid-March, the SSA revealed that enhanced identity verification procedures would be implemented to mitigate fraud. Those unable to use their “my Social Security” account would have to visit a field office.
“Americans deserve the highest level of security and vigilance in safeguarding their Social Security records,” stated Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, in a news release. “For far too long, the agency relied on outdated methods for verifying identities. We can enhance protections while streamlining service.”
The new online and in-person identity verification was set to begin on March 31. Users could start claims over the phone, but it was required that they complete the process in person for ID verification.
However, on March 26, the SSA announced that this timeline was extended by two weeks, allowing users to complete their claims over the phone.
“We have heard feedback from our customers, Congress, advocacy groups, and others, prompting us to revise our policy to enhance service to America’s most vulnerable communities,” Dudek mentioned in a news release. “Alongside the two-week extension, we’ve exempted Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications from in-person identity proofing, as various opportunities exist throughout the decision-making process to confirm a person’s identity.”
What modifications are being made to Social Security identification?
On April 8, the Social Security Administration provided further details via a series of posts on X, the social media site owned by Elon Musk.
The posts stated:
“Starting April 14, #SocialSecurity will implement an anti-fraud check on all claims submitted via telephone and will flag any claims showing signs of fraud risk. Individuals flagged will be required to provide in-person ID verification before the claims can proceed. All in-person claims will continue to undergo 100 percent ID verification. Approximately 4.5 million claims are made via telephone each year, with 70K potentially flagged. Telephone processing remains an option for the public.”
Another update on April 9 confirmed that individuals will only need to visit an office if they are flagged by the anti-fraud system.
Who may need to verify their identities in person?
Individuals who are unable to apply through their online account for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits will have to visit a Social Security field office.
“The agency will waive these requirements in genuinely desperate situations, such as terminal conditions or pre-release from incarceration. SSA is developing a protocol requiring documentation and managerial approval to bypass the policy in such severe cases,” according to an SSA news report.
Applications for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income are not subject to these requirements.
If someone needs to alter their direct deposit information but cannot or prefers not to use the online portal, they must visit an office and can call 1-800-772-1213 to set an appointment. The SSA recommends calling this number to schedule claims for Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary (Spouse or Child) benefits as well.
Are there impending changes to Social Security direct deposit?
Indeed. The agency is updating how quickly direct deposit change requests are processed. Requests will be held for 30 days, applicable to both online and in-person submissions.
This change aims to reduce processing time to one business day.
The SSA plans to adopt the Account Verification Service, which is part of the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service’s payment integrity systems.
“AVS offers immediate bank verification services to proactively and swiftly prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests,” stated a release from the SSA.
Will any Social Security offices in Mississippi close?
Currently, it appears that no Mississippi offices will close due to DOGE cutbacks.
“SSA remains steadfast in providing assistance where it’s needed, with local field offices being no exception,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, in a news release. “We have not permanently closed any of our local offices this year.”
In February, DOGE named three Mississippi Social Security offices among the 13 leases slated for cancellation. The reason given for all three was “True Termination- Agency Closed Office.”
- Social Security Administration in Grenada: $127,570 in projected savings on a $255,140 annual lease for 8,946 square feet.
- Social Security Administration in Greenwood: $504,916 in projected savings on a $263,435 annual lease for 11,100 square feet.
- Social Security Administration in Meridian: $977,426 in estimated savings on a $229,983 annual lease for 9,796 square feet.
- Office of the Inspector General in Jackson: $229,863 in projected savings on a $64,148 annual lease for 3,043 square feet, termination via mass modification.
By March 20, all three offices were removed from the DOGE savings list, with no further information provided by the agency regarding why.
The Social Security Administration issued a news release on March 27, clarifying that reports about closures were inaccurate.
Temporary closures due to “weather, damage, or facility issues” may occur, but the offices will reopen as soon as feasible. The release also stated that the agency consults congressional delegates before any closures and strives to reassign affected staff.
However, the SSA has identified some underutilized office areas, such as hearing rooms without assigned employees, that are eligible for termination. They noted that most hearings are now conducted virtually. This information was forwarded to the General Services Administration.
On March 4, the GSA announced plans to sell 443 federal properties, including two in Mississippi, predicting estimated savings of $430 million. That list was removed a few hours later. Since then, the GSA has selectively re-added non-core asset priorities for “sale-lease backs, ground leases, and other public/private partnership arrangements.” As of April 10, no Mississippi properties have been earmarked for “recapitalization.”
How many Social Security offices exist in Mississippi?
The Atlanta regional office of the SSA reports that there are locations in 23 cities, including:
- Brookhaven.
- Clarksdale.
- Cleveland.
- Columbus.
- Corinth.
- Forest.
- Greenville.
- Greenwood.
- Grenada.
- Gulfport.
- Hattiesburg.
- Hernando.
- Jackson.
- Kosciusko.
- Laurel.
- McComb.
- Meridian.
- Moss Point.
- Natchez.
- Philadelphia.
- Starkville.
- Tupelo.
- Vicksburg.
Bonnie Bolden is Gannett/USA Today’s Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi. Reach out at [email protected].
