The way retirees apply for Social Security benefits is seeing changes, and many are wondering — do they now have to go to a Social Security office?
The answer depends on a few factors. While many retirees can still apply for benefits online or by phone, some may now be required to visit an office in person due to new fraud prevention measures.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The Trump administration has been working to reduce government spending, and that includes cracking down on fraud across federal programs like Social Security.
With the U.S. budget deficit crossing $1.8 trillion in fiscal year 2024, the administration is putting pressure on agencies to prevent misuse and fraud.
To respond, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced stronger anti-fraud measures. While this might sound like a good step, it has also confused some retirees, especially those who aren’t comfortable using technology or live far from an SSA office.
What Has Changed in the Application Process?
According to the SSA’s latest update on April 14, the agency is focusing more on identity verification when people apply for benefits or update their banking information for direct deposits.
If you’re already getting Social Security benefits and you’re not planning to make changes to your bank account details, these new policies likely won’t affect you. You’ll continue receiving your payments as usual.
However, if you’re about to apply for benefits or want to change your direct deposit information, then you may need to go through extra steps. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Using the “My Social Security” Online Portal
The easiest way to apply for benefits or update banking details is through the SSA’s online portal: My Social Security.
This system has existed for years and now features multi-factor authentication to verify users. Even if you don’t have a smartphone, you can still receive security codes through a landline phone.
If you use this portal, you likely won’t need to visit a Social Security office at all. You can handle everything online at your convenience.
2. Applying by Phone
Retirees can still apply by phone. However, this is where some people might run into problems. The SSA has found that about 40% of fraud cases related to direct deposits came from phone requests. Because of this, the agency is now more cautious when handling phone applications.
If the SSA suspects any fraud risk while talking to someone over the phone, they may require that person to come into an SSA office to verify their identity in person before continuing the application.
3. No Internet or Access Issues? You’ll Need to Visit
If you’re a retiree who doesn’t use the internet and needs to update your direct deposit info, you will now need to visit a local Social Security office to complete the process.
How Many Retirees Could This Affect?
A study from Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research revealed that about 37% of retirees aged 57 to 70 apply completely online, without ever calling or visiting an SSA office.
But that still leaves a large number of people applying by phone or in person, and many of them could be affected by these policy changes.
The SSA expects to label roughly 70,000 of the 4.5 million phone claims per year as possible fraud risks. Those flagged applicants will then have to go to an SSA field office in person to prove their identity.
Challenges for Retirees Without Internet Access
While the SSA’s goal is to protect people’s personal information and prevent identity theft, some experts say the new policy may create barriers for seniors.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research organization, many older adults don’t have access to the internet, a computer, or even a smartphone. Even those who do may not be confident using complex online systems.
The Center noted that nearly 6 million seniors live more than 45 miles away from a Social Security office, which could make in-person visits especially difficult. People with disabilities may also find it harder to travel or complete complicated verification steps online.
Wait Times Could Get Worse
Another challenge is that SSA field offices are already known for long wait times. Now, with these new policies and a reported plan to cut about 12% of the SSA workforce, wait times could become even longer.
Retirees flagged for fraud risk might face delays in receiving benefits if they can’t quickly get an appointment or reach a nearby office.
What Retirees Should Do?
Here are a few simple steps retirees can take to avoid unnecessary delays:
- Create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov/myaccount — it’s the easiest way to manage your benefits.
- Keep your contact and banking information up to date.
- Apply for benefits early, especially if you think you may face delays or need help completing the application.
For those who need in-person assistance, you can locate your nearest Social Security office by using the SSA office locator tool: https://secure.ssa.gov
Final Thoughts
While you don’t always need to visit a Social Security office to apply for benefits, the chances of needing to go in person have increased for certain groups, especially if you apply by phone or need to change your banking details without using the online portal.
As anti-fraud efforts grow stronger, the SSA is encouraging more people to use its secure online tools. For tech-savvy retirees, this should make things easier.
But for others without digital access, these changes may make it harder to get their benefits on time.
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