According to a statement issued by the department on April 14, every Social Security claim made over the phone will now be subject to a fraud prevention check.
This extra layer of protection comes after considerable public backlash over an earlier proposal to decrease phone help, which would have required many vulnerable Americans to visit a local SSA office in person if they couldn’t prove their identification online. The agency has subsequently modified its policy, allowing anyone to file any type of claim over the phone, backed by new fraud detection techniques aimed at protecting recipients and making the process easier, according to an official press release.
According to the agency, the new “enhanced technology” examines phone claim activity for anything strange, looking for patterns that do not correspond to a person’s ordinary account behaviour. If something appears to be amiss, the system alerts the individual, who must then prove their identification in person in order for their claim to proceed.
“We are improving how we serve the public by making things safer and easier to use,” said Leland Dudek, Social Security commissioner. “These changes help us catch and stop fraud more effectively while giving people more ways to access their benefits.”
When did Social Security begin undertaking anti-fraud checks?
On April 14, the Social Security Administration formally began anti-fraud inspections for phone claims. The organisation stated that it would flag any claims that showed indicators of potential fraud.
In an April 9 post on X, the SSA stated that only calls flagged by our fraud detection system will be required to attend in person. We’re adding more workers to phone lines to ensure that people can obtain assistance when they need it.”
An earlier post from April 8 stated, “We continue to verify ID in person for all walk-in claims. Of the 4.5 million phone claims we process each year, approximately 70,000 may be highlighted. The phone remains a dependable means for the public to file claims.”
Do I need to go to an SSA office in person?
It primarily depends on your situation and what you’re trying to accomplish—and, of course, whether you can make the journey. However, for some people, there is no alternative. If you fall into any of the following categories, the SSA demands an in-person visit to authenticate your identity:
You are applying for retirement, survivorship, or auxiliary benefits (such as spouse or child benefits).
To get any type of Social Security income, you must modify your direct deposit information.
You presently receive payments via paper cheque and would like to amend your mailing address.
In these circumstances, it’s essential to schedule a visit to your local SSA office—because some updates cannot be completed over the phone or online.
What Can You Do On Social Security’s Website?
If you’re applying for or already receiving benefits from Social Security, you can do many of your responsibilities online without ever having to visit an office. Here’s what you can manage digitally:
Apply for perks:
- Request a new or replacement social security card.
- Update your contact information.
- Change your name!
- Check the status of your application.
- Update your direct deposit info.
“Some steps can begin online and might still need to be wrapped up in person—but starting online helps move things along faster,” according to the organisation. “If you need to come in, we can help you schedule an appointment. However, if you skip the online aspect, you should phone ahead of time to book an appointment.”
If you need assistance or would prefer to speak with someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or use their Office Locator to find the nearest branch to you.
