Social Security Administration Backtracks On Some Id Requirements After Backlash

The Social Security Administration is partially backtracking on a plan that would require all new and existing beneficiaries to travel to a Social Security field office to verify their identity.

The Social Security Administration on Wednesday said that people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income who are not able to use agency's online portal, can complete their claim entirely over the phone instead of in person. Other SSA applicants will still be required to verify their identities at a field office.

The changes will apply to all beneficiaries beginning April 14th, instead of the previously announced date of March 31st.

"We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country's most vulnerable populations," said Lee Dudek, SSA's acting commissioner of Social Security in a statement.

Dudek added that delaying the policy start date will help officials train employees on new procedures.