Proposed anti\u2011fraud rule would push beneficiaries online or to field offices, adding travel and wait times as early as Aug.\u202f18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is eyeing another makeover, and this one may hit the hold button for older Americans. Under a draft rule, anyone who wants to change an address, request a benefit letter, or ask \u201cWhen will my deposit arrive?\u201d by phone would first prove identity online or in person. Advocates warn the hurdle, meant to block scammers, could become a wall for the very people SSA serves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commissioner Frank\u202fBisignano, appointed in May after 7,000 layoffs and a new 50\u202f% overpayment\u2011withholding policy, says he is steering the agency toward a \u201cdigital\u2011first\u201d model. The proposed Security Authentication PIN (SAP) requires callers to validate identity through a one\u2011time code on a my\u202fSocial\u202fSecurity account or by visiting a field office. SSA argues the step will curb identity theft\u2014but critics ask, where is the proof of widespread phone fraud?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How the extra verification step could affect rural and disabled Social Security recipients? A regulatory filing projects 3.4\u202fmillion beneficiaries a year will skip the PIN and travel to an office instead. That equals a 17\u202f% jump in foot traffic and about 3\u202fmillion driving hours. Nancy\u202fLeaMond of AARP fears seniors in rural zip codes will \u201cwait on hold for hours, then wait weeks for an appointment.\u201d Kathleen\u202fRomig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities adds, \u201cThere\u2019s no evidence this is a problem.\u201d Worried about long hold times? You\u2019re not alone. Who is most likely to face the new hurdle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n