Receiving Social Security benefits is a necessary lifeline for many retired and disabled Americans. Most workers have contributed to Social Security throughout their employment history with the promise of a financial safety net waiting for them after retirement.
To make things easier for the over 72 million citizens who are beneficiaries, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has embraced technology to make applying for and managing their benefit accounts online easy and convenient.
That may no longer be the case as the Trump administration revealed plans to require in-person visitation to a Social Security field office for specific issues as of March 31, 2025. This, combined with plans to shutter at least 20 SSA locations, has caused alarm and confusion.
The best way to prepare for the looming changes is to fully understand how the SSA works, know what benefits are available, and what to do to ensure receiving them.
The Basics
Over 20% of Americans receive benefits through Social Security. A dedicated payroll tax is used to fund it. Based on the wage amount, the employer and employee each pay 6.2% payroll tax (In 2025, the maximum payable is $176,100). Self-employed people pay 12.4%. Depending on the birth year, the age for full-benefit retirement is either 66 or 67. Beneficiaries can start receiving payments as early as age 62, but they will be reduced.
Those unable to work due to a disability can receive benefits if they meet certain requirements, such as having worked within 10 years of filing. Those under the age of 22 with disabilities may also qualify for Social Security benefits. Children are eligible for survivor's benefits and for a percentage of their parents' assistance under certain conditions.
What the In-Person Requirement Means
Claiming $100 million in direct deposit fraud, acting SSA commissioner Leland Dudek announced changes to Social Security policy on March 18, 2025.
As of April 14, 2025, the SSA will be removing the ability to verify identity over the phone. This means that those unable to verify their identity online are required to visit an SSA field office to prove who they are. This will apply to anyone opening new accounts or trying to change their direct deposit account.
In-person visits could prove difficult to impossible for the elderly and the disabled. The policy faces further complications due to the proposed staffing cuts and the shuttering of field offices. The SSA had 1,200 field offices at the time of Dudek's announcement, but closings may make it extremely hard on people now required to visit a branch.
Hope for the Best But Plan for the Worst
Despite possibly losing up to half of its workforce, Dudek promises that the time to switch a direct deposit account will go from 30 days to one. Whether or not this goal is achieved, understanding your Social Security benefits will likely increase in importance.
When the SSA site doesn't have the answer or is unclear, helpful explanations on a variety of Social Security topics can offer understanding and stress relief. This includes knowing your benefits, what to do if your claim is denied, and how to apply to receive your benefits.
In some instances, complications with Social Security benefits can seem incomprehensible and insurmountable. At times like that, seeking skilled legal assistance may be the best solution.
Related Resources
- Wrongful Termination Law (FindLaw's What To Do After Losing a Job)
- Social Security and Retirement Planning (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Social Security Disability Law (FindLaw's Social Security and Retirement)
