Millions of older Americans are now required to verify their identities in person if they cannot use the online My Social Security portal. This policy, which took effect on April 14, has drawn questions from retirees, spouses, and survivors worried about travel distances and logistical hurdles.
Under the updated regulations, individuals who need to apply for benefits or update direct deposit information—and who do not qualify for specific exceptions—must complete face-to-face verification at a Social Security field office if they cannot verify their identities online. People receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are exempt and may continue phone-based identity checks. However, others, including surviving family members, must adapt to these new requirements.
How these new in-person Social Security verification rules affect rural recipients
A recent study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) found that many recipients could face an average round trip of 45 miles or more to their nearest field office. That’s a steep distance, especially for older Americans who do not drive or have limited mobility. Wyoming stands out, with 65 percent of seniors living more than 45 miles from a field office. In Alaska, 45.9 percent of older adults are in a similar predicament, and some may travel well over 100 miles.
Still, regions like California and New York with denser populations and numerous field offices will see less disruption, with only 3 percent of recipients needing long-distance trips. Have you checked the location of your closest Social Security office yet?
Below is a brief table showing the percentage of seniors traveling over 45 miles in selected states:
| State | Percentage of Seniors Over 45 Miles Away |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | 65% |
| Alaska | 45.9% |
| North Dakota | Significant pockets of 13,000 seniors |
| California | 3% |
| New York | 3% |
Why the policy change matters for older adults, caregivers, and families
The CBPP warns that requiring in-person visits could delay essential benefits for those lacking transportation or living with health conditions. Additionally, survivor benefits have no online application option, meaning families coping with the loss of a loved one must make office appointments. Who wants to navigate extra bureaucracy during an already difficult time?
What steps you can take if you need to comply with these new rules
Experts recommend checking if you qualify for exceptions or verifying your credentials through the My Social Security portal to avoid an office visit. If traveling is your only option, call ahead to schedule an appointment, ensure your documents are in order, and plan any necessary transportation or assistance well in advance.
In summary, these new regulations aim to reduce fraud but may unintentionally burden older adults in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. Beneficiaries should explore online verification options first or reach out to advocacy organizations if they face obstacles.