Social Security changes require in-person verification

Emily Lauderdale
In-person verification
In-person verification

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making changes that could impact many Alaskans.

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.

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.

“The abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” said Teresa Holt, Alaska director with the AARP.

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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

Emily is a news contributor and writer for SelfEmployed. She writes on what's going on in the business world and tips for how to get ahead.