Social Security Administration Quietly Rolls Out 2 Major Policy Changes Affecting Millions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Social Security recipients and applicants should brace for more changes on the horizon.

For months, the Trump administration has been working to overhaul the Social Security system, resulting in a revolving door of new policies — some of which have already been revised or scrapped entirely.

Recently, the Social Security Administration quietly rolled out two significant policy changes that could affect millions of current and future beneficiaries.

Here’s what you need to know.

Identity Verification Procedures Tighten

As of April 14, applicants who are unable to access the "my Social Security" online portal must now verify their identity in person at a local SSA office. The SSA says the policy is intended to strengthen fraud prevention.

However, when the change was first announced in March, it drew swift criticism from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and beneficiaries who argued that the new requirement created unnecessary barriers to accessing benefits.

In response to the backlash, the SSA amended the policy to allow applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to complete their applications entirely by phone.

Additionally, on April 14, the SSA introduced new fraud-detection technology to monitor phone applications and account changes. If the system flags suspicious activity, individuals may still be required to verify their identity in person.

“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security.

To avoid the need for an in-person visit, applicants are encouraged to do everything possible to access services through the "my Social Security" portal.

Trump Administration Cracks Down On Overpayments

At the end of March, the Trump administration reinstated a policy that allows the SSA to recover 100 percent of a beneficiary’s monthly payments if they were overpaid.

This move reversed a more lenient policy that had capped repayment collections at 10 percent of a recipient’s benefit for overpayments issued before March 27.

Then, on April 25, the SSA issued an emergency notice announcing that the recovery cap would be adjusted again—this time to 50 percent of a beneficiary’s monthly benefit. The change applies only to overpayments identified on or after that date and does not apply retroactively.

While overpayments are relatively rare, losing half of a monthly check can be financially devastating. The SSA advises beneficiaries to contact the agency and begin repayment as soon as they become aware of an overpayment to avoid automatic withholdings.