In what it says is an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures — which will require millions of recipients and applicants to visit agency field offices rather than interact with the agency over the phone.
The only field offices in Alaska are in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks.
More than 100,000 Alaskans receive Social Security benefits.
Beginning March 31, people will no longer be able to verify their identity to the Social Security Administration over the phone to conduct business. Those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s online service will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process, agency leadership told reporters on March 18.
The change will apply to new Social Security applicants and existing recipients who want to change their direct-deposit information.
Retiree advocates warn that the change will harm older Americans in rural areas, including those with disabilities, mobility limitations, those who live far from agency offices and have limited internet access.
Teresa Holt, Alaska director with the American Association of Retired People Alaska, said “the abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans.”
“Many Alaskans will have no choice but to fly from their villages and communities to reach the nearest SSA office,” she said in an email to the Anchorage Daily News.
Acting Deputy Social Security Administration Commissioner Doris Diaz acknowledged several risks and challenges in the proposal, including “disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, risking legal challenges and congressional scrutiny.”
About 60,000 Alaskans don’t have access to broadband internet service, representing a “majority of small communities” in the state, according to the Alaska Broadband Office at the State Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
The Trump administration change also comes as the agency plans to shutter dozens of Social Security offices throughout the country and has laid out plans to lay off thousands of workers.
More than 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive retirement and disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
The Department of Government Efficiency website says that leases for 47 Social Security field offices across the country, including in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Kentucky and North Carolina, have been or will be ended.
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