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By Suzanne Blake
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making a major change to its services that could impact Republican states the most.
Newsweek reached out to the Social Security Administration via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Nearly nine in 10 Americans over the age of 65 are earning monthly Social Security payments, which often make up a substantial portion of their retirement income.
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The SSA announced that it would end phone identity verification services on March 31 but has postponed the change to April 14 after backlash from seniors who've relied on the practice. This could significantly impact seniors living in rural areas, with a higher number living in Republican states.
What To Know
Individuals looking to apply for Social Security benefits or change their payment information must do so either online or in person next month as Social Security ends its phone services. There is an exception for those who need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income.
The SSA's phone changes, which are now slated to go into effect on April 14, will impact seniors across the country. However, those without broadband internet especially rely on phone services for accessibility.
Of those without broadband internet access, most are concentrated in the South and typically live in large rural populations, with their local government more likely to be run by Republicans. Seniors who are unable to verify their identity through the online Social Security portal will be instructed to visit their local SSA office.
"A lot of rural areas, many of which are Republican strongholds, don't have reliable broadband. And they might not have a Social Security office within 50 miles. These communities will be hit hardest," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings Podcast, told Newsweek.
"And I don't think many voters realized this was part of the broader plan. But if you read Project 2025, a lot of this ideology is baked in," Thompson said, referring to the conservative government blueprint crafted by the Heritage Foundation and other right-leaning groups.
The SSA is making significant job cuts under President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency's guidance. Last month, the SSA said it would lower its workforce from 57,000 to 50,000. The agency now also requires nearly all employees to work in the office five days a week.
"I feel bad for all Americans who are struggling with these chaotic, somewhat random changes, firing of employees, SSA offices closing, and very limited phone service. There is a tremendous increase in anxiety across the country and we are doing everything possible at RSSA to help Americans with their questions and concerns," Martha Shedden, president and co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, told Newsweek.
What People Are Saying
Morgan & Morgan attorney Bart Zadel, who represents clients seeking disability benefits, told Newsweek: "The new identity verification procedures could possibly pose a challenge to those who don't have access to the required technology, and with the planned closing of offices, applicants may be faced with greater wait times. With more people reaching retirement age and increasing numbers of disability applicants, there will be more demand on the Social Security fund."
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "There are certainly more digitally literate seniors today than there were a decade ago, and the majority of these should be able to access and make changes through the online portal. At the same time, there are still seniors who aren't digitally literate, and these recipients rely on phone services to assist with problems they're having. Telling them they have to go in-person for future changes adds an additional barrier and extra work to a group that could have a difficult time managing it."
What Happens Next
Thompson said the changes could be "devastating" for many seniors.
"If you're forcing elderly applicants to either go online or visit an office, which might be closed or hours away, that's a huge problem," Thompson said. "
"We're talking about people who may have physical disabilities, vision issues, or who simply aren't tech-savvy. Expecting them to navigate a website or wait in long lines without help just isn't realistic. This disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable—those with limited mobility, hearing loss, and poor eyesight. It's a real concern."
Are you a Social Security recipient who relies on the SSA's phone services? If you would like to share your story with Newsweek, please contact s.blake@newsweek.com.
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