This claim is false: There is no requirement for in-person verification for Social Security beneficiaries
Social Security beneficiaries will have to verify their identity in-person starting in April – This claim is completely false. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not issued any such official rule.
Why is this claim false?
No such policy exists – SSA has not issued any directive mandating in-person verification for all beneficiaries.
There is no agency named ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE) – This is a completely fake name, there is no such agency in the government.
Elon Musk has nothing to do with Social Security – There is no evidence of Elon Musk being involved in any government decision related to Social Security.
Online and phone verifications are available – SSA still offers beneficiaries online, phone and in-person identity verification in special cases.
Official identity verification procedures offered by SSA:
Online – You can verify your identity by visiting SSA’s official website ssa.gov.
Via Phone – Identity verification can also be done by calling SSA’s helpline number 1-800-772-1213.
In-Person (Mandatory only in special cases) – SSA may ask beneficiaries to appear in person only under certain circumstances.
How to Avoid Social Security Fraud?
Check Official Sources – Always verify information from an official website like ssa.gov.
Ignore False Claims – Many rumors related to Social Security are spread through social media and unreliable websites.
Report Incorrect Information – If you come across any false or misleading information related to Social Security, report it to SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) website at oig.ssa.gov.
Contact SSA directly – If you have any doubts about your benefits or verification, call SSA’s official number 1-800-772-1213 or visit your nearest SSA office.
What This Means for Beneficiaries:
There are going to be some big changes, so Social Security beneficiaries must keep their ear to the ground. The review of the payment schedule, preparation of installing direct deposit, and keeping up-to-date with the SSA on the Web would ensure that the right benefits flow.
People who are going to be affected by overpayment collections or changes in policy may have to keep ahead in planning how they view their incomes, as monthly income might be less than expected.
Here are the key April payment dates:
April 1 – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
April 3 – Retirees receiving benefits before May 1997 and those collecting both SSI and retirement benefits.
April 9 – Those born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
April 16 – Those born between the 11th and 20th.
April 23 – Those born between the 21st and 31st.
Identity Verification Changes:
From March 31, claimants can no longer verify their identity over the phone, a move aimed at reducing fraud.
Overpayment Recovery Policy: Starting March 27, the SSA will resume withholding 100% of payments to recover overpaid benefits. This reverses the previous policy limiting deductions to 10%.
Conclusion:
Avoid false rumors related to Social Security and get information only from official sources. If you have any doubts, visit the official website of SSA at ssa.gov or contact their helpline number.
FAQS:
Will it still be necessary for me to go to an SSA office in person to continue receiving my benefits?
No. It is not a new requirement for in-person verification. The online, phone, and in-person services are the same as before.
Did the government create a new agency called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)?
No. There is no such agency. This is part of the false claim.
Will there be an end to my Social Security payments if I do not verify my identity in person?
No. The SSA has not announced any kind of policy whatsoever, of suspending the benefits of anyone due to lack of in-person verification.