A major change is coming for Social Security beneficiaries in the United States. From April, all beneficiaries who register for the first time or have to make a change will have to verify their identity in person at official offices in order to continue receiving monthly payments. This new measure, introduced by the Trump administration through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to strengthen the oversight of federal spending and reduce fraud within the Social Security system.
The change has already sparked concern, particularly among older adults and individuals in rural areas who may face challenges accessing government offices. The new rule applies to both new applicants and current beneficiaries, replacing the previous system that allowed identity verification through the official Social Security website. Those who fail to complete this step could lose access to their benefits, as unverified accounts may be flagged as inactive or fraudulent.
In-Person Identity Verification Starts in April
Led by Donald Trump and overseen by Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is enforcing this policy following internal claims that the Social Security Administration (SSA) had been issuing payments under the names of deceased individuals. The new process is designed to prevent such errors and tighten control over public funds.
Starting in April, online identity verification through the SSA website will no longer be accepted. All beneficiaries—regardless of when they enrolled in the program—must visit a local SSA office and verify their identity face-to-face.
Failure to complete this verification process could result in the suspension or termination of monthly payments, as the system will treat unverifiable accounts as suspicious or inactive.
Quick Facts: New SSA Identity Rule
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | April 2025 |
| Who’s Affected | All Social Security recipients |
| What’s Required | In-person identity verification only |
| No Longer Allowed | Online verification via SSA website |
| Risk | Loss of benefits if not verified |
| Main Concern | Seniors and rural residents |
Elderly and Rural Residents Could Face Disadvantages
The new policy has raised alarms among advocacy groups and community leaders, who warn that thousands of vulnerable beneficiaries could be affected, especially seniors living in remote or underserved areas who may struggle to reach SSA offices.
The issue is compounded by the recent layoff of more than 7,000 SSA employees, a move that may cause additional delays and long wait times for those trying to comply with the new rule.
While the government defends the measure as a necessary step to improve transparency and reduce waste, many Americans now face uncertainty as their continued access to Social Security benefits depends on completing an in-person verification process—a step that, for some, could prove difficult or even impossible.
