The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making changes that could impact many Alaskans.
If you are currently receiving SSA benefits you don’t need to take any action, unless you need to change your SSA account information, such as your direct deposit information for your benefits.
To learn more go to:https://t.co/29rSuwvrsm
— Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) March 25, 2025
Starting March 31, people will no longer be able to verify their identity over the phone when applying for benefits or changing their direct deposit information. Instead, they will need to either use the SSA’s online “my Social Security” service or visit a field office in person.
What do you get when you force Social Security recipients to seek help in person, then close their local Social Security office?
A de facto cut to Social Security benefits, plain and simple. https://t.co/6JqXXhjTe6
— Joe Morelle (@RepJoeMorelle) March 24, 2025
This change is part of an effort by the Department of Government Efficiency to reduce fraud and waste across the federal government. However, there are concerns that this will create difficulties for many Alaskans, especially those living in rural areas. Alaska has only three Social Security offices, located in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau.
This means many people will have to travel long distances to reach an office.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk are breaking Social Security – making it nearly impossible for seniors to get help with their benefits. I’m fighting hard to save Social Security, and we need House Republicans to finally stand up and join us. https://t.co/k5mFe5Yflz
— Nanette D. Barragán (@RepBarragan) March 25, 2025
“The abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” said Teresa Holt, Alaska director with the AARP.
In-person verification requirement impacts Alaskans
She noted that many Alaskan beneficiaries “will have no choice but to fly from their villages and communities to reach the nearest SSA office.”
Melanie Bahnke, president of the Kawerak tribal government in Nome, said residents of villages outside Nome will need to pay over $1,000 for flights to get to the Anchorage office. She called the SSA decision “discriminating against people in rural America.”
The SSA says it will “continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments” to the new policy. But a report indicates the agency could see an additional 75,000 to 85,000 people visiting field offices nationwide every week.
This could lead to longer processing times. As of February 2025, less than half of benefit claim appointments were being scheduled within 28 days. Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan plans to reach out to the SSA to emphasize the importance of phone and virtual appointments for Alaskans.
The changes are set to begin on March 31. It remains to be seen how they will ultimately impact Social Security beneficiaries and applicants in Alaska and across the country.
Photo by; Levi Jones on Unsplash