Press Releases

New Rules Requiring In-Person Verification Are An Attack On The Promise of Social Security

BUFFALO, NY — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement after the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced new rules requiring beneficiaries to verify their identity in-person, eliminating over-the-phone service. The new rules are set to take effect on March 31. 

“With the Social Security Administration already facing significant backlogs, this new rule requiring in-person identity verification will harm the most vulnerable people in our community. People with disabilities, limited income, inadequate access to technology or transportation, and our seniors rely on phone-based support. It is equally outrageous that, at the same time, they are planning to close offices around the country, making it even harder for people to access these services.

“Make no mistake, these new rules will prevent the most disadvantaged among us from gaining access to benefits that they have worked their whole life for. We need to ensure we make good on our promise to them without facing unnecessary burdens.”

In Congress, Kennedy is pushing for legislation that would protect Social Security services and beneficiaries. He co-sponsors the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act to prevent office closures that would degrade services, and the Protecting Americans' Social Security Data Act to combat fraud by preventing political appointees and the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing sensitive data systems. 

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