Social Security Administration Delays New Identity Proofing Rules After Public Pushback

SSA postpones implementation to April 14 and exempts vulnerable groups, but concerns persist over service disruptions and workforce cuts.

The SSA has delayed the rollout of its new identity verification policies to April 14, following criticism from advocates, lawmakers, and the public.
Exemptions have been introduced for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants, who can still verify their identity by phone.
The agency is proceeding with workforce reductions of 7,000 employees and consolidating offices, which critics warn will exacerbate service delays and accessibility issues.
Long wait times, website crashes, and fears of privatization have heightened public frustration, with advocacy groups like AARP continuing to call for broader policy reversals.
SSA clarified it is not permanently closing field offices but is terminating underutilized spaces like hearing rooms, as most hearings are now held virtually.