The Social Security Administration yesterday backed off planned cuts to phone services for disabled and some elderly Americans applying for benefits amid massive pushback. Via the Washington Post:
The originally proposed changes — scheduled to take effect Monday but now delayed to April 14 — would have directed all people filing claims to first verify their identity online or in person, removing a phone option in place for years. Advocates said the shift would make it impossible for many disabled and elderly people with limited mobility or computer skills to apply.
Now, those applying for Medicare, disability benefits and supplemental income help can continue to file claims and authenticate their identity by phone, according to a news release the agency issued late Wednesday. However, others filing for retirement or survivor benefits — or requesting direct deposit for their checks — will still be bound by rules announced by the agency earlier this month: These transactions require online or in-person identity verification except in rare situations, such as when someone is terminally ill.
The announcement marked the end of a volatile 24 hours for acting Social Security commissioner Leland Dudek. He met with advocates for blind Americans on Tuesday, then told his senior staff Wednesday morning that he was not prepared to implement any limits on phone service right now, before finally announcing a mixed approach.
