The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strengthened its fraud prevention tools so that users can claim files safely by telephone.
From Monday, April 14, the new SSA system, which uses “improved technology” to analyze patterns and anomalies within a person’s account, will be able to detect irregularities in telephone claims. Irregularities would trigger people with applications marked by having to prove their identity in person to proceed.
The agency states that this balances security with accessibility for those who cannot present online or visit an office.
On April 8, the agency confirmed AX This identity verification for all claims in person will continue, adding that “the telephone is still a viable option for the public”, but the 4.5 million telephone claims made each year, 70,000 can be marked.
“We are modernizing how we serve the audience, improving both security and accessibility,” said Lealand Dudek, a Social Security Feedman, in a statement. “These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while offering more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”
This follows a statement before March where the SSA indicated that they could not use their staff “My social security“The online account should visit a Local Social Security office for the face -to -face identity test.
This initial change would have required People seeking retirement or survivor benefits to travel to a local field office to complete their claims, even if they started the process by phone.
This stricter policy was initially delay For two weeks from April 1 to April 14. The SSA also adjusted the policy for those who request a disability disability insurance, Medicare or additional security income, allowing them to complete their claims by telephone while maintaining largely the requirements in person for survival, retirement and auxiliary benefits (spouse or child).
Now the government has again traveled the telephone policy, with a spokesman for the White House NPR Telephone services are still a viable option for those who are looking for services.
This announcement occurs in the midst of other discussions on the operations of the SSA.
The Department of Government Efficiency or Dog of the billionaire Elon Musk was identified Almost 50 Social Security field offices across the country planned to close -to reduce government size: a movement refuted by the Social Security Administration, who said reports on the closing field offices Are false.