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   Hippy Steve (exador23@m.ai6yr.org)'s status on Thursday, 20-Mar-2025 03:07:27 JST Hippy Steve

   Judd Legume (journalist, founder & former editor of Think Progress) appears to have a memo from Acting Deputy SSA Commissioner Doris Diaz outlining "proposed changes to the claims process that would debilitate the agency, cause significant processing delays, and prevent many Americans from applying for or receiving [#SocialSecurity] benefits." https://popular.info/p/exclusive-memo-details-trump-plan

   The biggest change contemplated by Diaz's memo is to require "internet identity proofing" for "benefit claims… made over the phone." When an SSA customer is "unable to utilize the internet ID proofing, customers will be required to visit a field office to provide in-person identity documentation."

   Because the SSA serves a large population that is either older or physically disabled, many cannot access the internet. Under the new system, this would force these populations to visit an office to have their claim processed. The Diaz memo estimates it would require 75,000 to 85,000 in-person visitors per week to SSA's offices to implement the policy.
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   And of course, they'll be cutting the workforce and closing SSA offices which will make it nearly impossible to file for your claim.

   • Embed this notice
     Hippy Steve (exador23@m.ai6yr.org)'s status on Thursday, 20-Mar-2025 03:07:26 JST Hippy Steve

     in reply to

     That was fast. The #SocialSecurity sabotage plans outlined in the memo obtained by Judd Legum go into effect at the end of the month. https://www.wect.com/2025/03/18/social-security-administration-require-in-person-identity-checks-new-existing-recipients/

     Beginning March 31st, people will no longer be able to verify their identity to the SSA over the phone and those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s “My Social Security” online service, will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process, agency leadership told reporters Tuesday.

     The change will apply to new Social Security applicants and existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information.

     Connecticut Rep. John Larson, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, said in a statement that “by requiring seniors and disabled Americans to enroll online or in person at the same field offices they are trying to close, rather than over the phone, Trump and Musk are trying to create chaos and inefficiencies at SSA so they can privatize the system.”

     The DOGE website says that leases for 47 Social Security field offices across the country, including in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Kentucky and North Carolina, have been or will be ended.
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     The Diaz memo estimates it would require 75,000 to 85,000 in-person visitors per week to SSA's offices to implement the policy - while many of those offices that are slated to be closed

     Steve's Place repeated this.
   • Embed this notice
     Hippy Steve (exador23@m.ai6yr.org)'s status on Thursday, 20-Mar-2025 03:07:26 JST Hippy Steve

     in reply to

     Need to emphasize this, since the AP article doesn't even include it...

     75,000 to 85,000 additional SSA visits PER WEEK, would cripple the agency if it were at full capacity.

     But doing that while simultaneously reducing staffing massively and shuttering offices is pure SABOTAGE.