FYI: SOCIAL SECURITY; Changes made. In person ID checks.

[Jersey mike]

Not trying to start a heated discussion on this, as the subject says this is just FYI in case anyone hasn’t heard snd isn’t caught off guard for themselves or anyone else.


Social Security website;

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-strengthens-identity-proofing-requirements-and-expedites-direct-deposit-changes-to-one-day/



Portion of article is below with details.

“ Social Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients”

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures — which will require millions of recipients and applicants to visit agency field offices rather than interact with the agency over the phone.

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.

In addition to the identity verification change, the agency announced that it plans to expedite processing of recipients’ direct deposit change requests – both in person and online – to one business day. Previously, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.

https://apnews.com/article/social-security-fraud-waste-doge-elon-musk-212e3089951f731fd3f83443e104b315


Other sources are available out there as well.

[Rams]

I'm all for it and will not gripe if asked to travel to a SS office to prove who I am.   Way too many scammers, thieves stealing what they are not entitled to.

I still believe SS is a huge Ponzi Scheme but, they kind of have us over a barrel on it.   Too late to go back fix it at least as I understand it.

Rams

[Hook#3287]

I did mine online, it went well, but I'd have gone to an office if I needed too.

Those people over 150 years old on the list may have an issue with that requirement.

[Jersey mike]

I did mine online, it went well, but I'd have gone to an office if I needed too.

Those people over 150 years old on the list may have an issue with that requirement.

I can understand concerns for recipients who are home bound (the very sickly, infirmed, etc) and really can’t drive or get to an office or even SSI recipients that are permanently in memory care facilities, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers and somebody is taking care of their finances.

Many children or spouses of SSI recipients may have issues with navigating the SSI website, I don’t know, I’m not there yet.

[carolinarider09]

I don't mind traveling to the SS Office to verify my identify.  I have been there several times to change a specific item on my benefits.  I had no issues.

The issue that might concern me and might concern others is the method required to prove who you are. 

In SC, a "Real ID" will be required.  A "Read ID" requires (in SC):

Beginning May 7, 2025, your South Carolina driver's license or identification card must have a gold star to show it's a REAL ID in order to use it as your identification to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation.

So, my ID is not a "Real ID".

What does it take to get a Real ID" ?. (From the link below)

You must have original or government-issued copies of all documents proving identity. The SCDMV will not accept copied or scanned versions of these documents. You can find a complete list of accepted documents on the United States Citizens’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93).

Here are examples of acceptable documents as well as what is needed if you have had a legal name change. 

Proof of Identity
Examples:  Government-issued birth certificate or unexpired US Passport
     
Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
Examples:  Current, unexpired South Carolina driver's license or identification card and a utility bill with the same name and address
View a complete list of all accepted address documents on the United States Citizens’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93).

Proof of Legal Name
Examples:  Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order issued by your county's probate or family court
You must show a complete name change history that links your birth certificate name to your present day name. If you have a valid US Passport or US Passport Card with your current, legal name, you may use that as your name change document. More information on how to change your name. 

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

I don't plan on taking an airline trip but, if I needed to I would need a real ID after May 7th, 2025.

For South Carolina only:https://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/REAL-ID]  [url]https://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/REAL-ID[/url]

[Serk]

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

You can renew a passport, even from an expired one, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Might be a good idea to get that done so you have a backup form of ID...

Also, you can get a passport card as well as the book for a few bucks more, I keep the card in my wallet so I've always got bullet-proof "Real ID" type ID on me...

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

[scooperhsd]

We have on our bucket list to visit at least one country where we need a passport (probably Canada - I don't think Mexico is such a great idea as long as the cartels are still operating there).

[LadyDraco]

At least some local SS office's , are taking calls for  verification.
And  NO  need to come in..

SO call your local SS office and  ask..

[old2soon]

     Just this Minute got off the line with my SS Ofice in West plains Mo. At this point in time I Am Good to go. Got my direct deposit change done Before all this chit came down. All my little Security details I actually Remebered as she asked thos questions!  How kewl is That?  RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

     Just this Minute got off the line with my SS Ofice in West plains Mo. At this point in time I Am Good to go. Got my direct deposit change done Before all this chit came down. All my little Security details I actually Remebered as she asked thos questions!  How kewl is That?  RIDE SAFE.

SS website everything can be done on there, no need to call. also can see the history and yrs of all your payments into the system.

[carolinarider09]

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

You can renew a passport, even from an expired one, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Might be a good idea to get that done so you have a backup form of ID...

Also, you can get a passport card as well as the book for a few bucks more, I keep the card in my wallet so I've always got bullet-proof "Real ID" type ID on me...

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

Thanks. I believe I will do the above. 

[lee]

Am I reading this right,  its only for people starting SS, or people who want to change there direct deposit information.  If you are already on Direct Deposit you don't have to do anything???

[henry 008]

I hope to retire when I turn 65 this summer or later this fall (after the harvest). Should I sign up now or do I have to wait? I heard or read somewhere that you supposed to sign up 3 mos. before your 65th birthday month. 

[98valk]

I hope to retire when I turn 65 this summer or later this fall (after the harvest). Should I sign up now or do I have to wait? I heard or read somewhere that you supposed to sign up 3 mos. before your 65th birthday month. 

three months before you want benefits to start.   easy to do online.  Basically u open an account and then sign up for benefits. you get to put in when you want benefits to start. so u can sign up 10 months before you want benefits to start.

[GiG]

Henry:
        Medicare’s stipulation is to register within 3 months of 65th birthday  :coolsmiley.
Rather important because they impose “lifetime penalty”. If their timeline is not met!   

[henry 008]

Henry:
        Medicare’s stipulation is to register within 3 months of 65th birthday  :coolsmiley.
Rather important because they impose “lifetime penalty”. If their timeline is not met!   

thanks, i knew there was something important about signing up within 3 months...

[henry 008]

I hope to retire when I turn 65 this summer or later this fall (after the harvest). Should I sign up now or do I have to wait? I heard or read somewhere that you supposed to sign up 3 mos. before your 65th birthday month. 

three months before you want benefits to start.   easy to do online.  Basically u open an account and then sign up for benefits. you get to put in when you want benefits to start. so u can sign up 10 months before you want benefits to start.

thanks, I was just thinking about new rules coming to SS, especially if they require you to set up in person, or whatever. I may just sign up next month before we start harvesting in May.

[old2soon]

I hope to retire when I turn 65 this summer or later this fall (after the harvest). Should I sign up now or do I have to wait? I heard or read somewhere that you supposed to sign up 3 mos. before your 65th birthday month. 

three months before you want benefits to start.   easy to do online.  Basically u open an account and then sign up for benefits. you get to put in when you want benefits to start. so u can sign up 10 months before you want benefits to start.

thanks, I was just thinking about new rules coming to SS, especially if they require you to set up in person, or whatever. I may just sign up next month before we start harvesting in May.

    And should you be a Military Veteran inform your local V A clnic/hospital because you may have benefits that kick in at reirement!  DD214 helps a LOT!  RIDE SAFE.

[Thunderbolt]

Another thing to consider is that you need to sign up for part B when you sign up for Medicare.  Otherwise there is a penalty from then on.  Copied from the interweb.
The Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty is an additional charge added to your monthly premium if you do not sign up for Part B when you are first eligible. This penalty is typically 10% for each full 12-month period you delay enrollment and lasts for as long as you have Part B coverage.

[Serk]

Wow.... this explains why they're cracking down...

40% of calls to Social Security are attempted fraud...

https://x.com/i/status/1905385316011442176

[Jess from VA]

Wow.... this explains why they're cracking down...

40% of calls to Social Security are attempted fraud...

https://x.com/i/status/1905385316011442176

When you offer free money, people will sign up for it.

Deciding appeals at HQ USDVA, we got our share of fraud too.  Like the guy who took another veteran's DD-214 (the one page summary of service for all branches), used white out over the name, address, social security, then stuck it in an IBM Selectric typewriter with the wrong (unmatching) font ball, and typed in his own identity, but he never actually served in the military at all.  We'd turn this over to our own people who interfaced with DOJ asking for criminal prosecution, but it rarely if ever happened.  

Or guys who did serve, then filed for multiple injuries received in an at-fault drunk driving accident 15 years after service, claiming it happened in basic training.  Or guys who filed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "because my drill instructor demeaned me in front of my peers."  Or guys who shot themselves in the foot to avoid Vietnam, were officially punished for it, and later claimed it as disability incurred in honorable service.  And many more.  

Don't get me wrong, I am a veteran, and I support veterans, and the law and regulations governing veteran's disability is the most liberal of any benefit system in the US.  Every reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the veteran.  But fraudulent claims took money and beds and doctors away from legitimate veterans. 

[GiG]

 SSI-D seems to be playing games with me…

Used to get paper checks, then got hey made me get electronic deposit, so I used their Direct Express Debit option that worked ok for awhile… then, they reverted back to paper checks and  resumed badgering me about electronic deposits 
Back to Direct Express again     Ok now…
Anyone not sure about waste in government?!?
At least I (so far) have not had to venture out to their lovely, efficient offices to present myself & try to convince a bureaucrat that I am indeed an Earthling.     

[carolinarider09]

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

You can renew a passport, even from an expired one, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Might be a good idea to get that done so you have a backup form of ID...

Also, you can get a passport card as well as the book for a few bucks more, I keep the card in my wallet so I've always got bullet-proof "Real ID" type ID on me...

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

Thanks. I believe I will do the above. 

Filed on line today.  Next step, waiting for the results.  Should take at least four (4) weeks.

[Serk]

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

You can renew a passport, even from an expired one, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Might be a good idea to get that done so you have a backup form of ID...

Also, you can get a passport card as well as the book for a few bucks more, I keep the card in my wallet so I've always got bullet-proof "Real ID" type ID on me...

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

Thanks. I believe I will do the above. 

Filed on line today.  Next step, waiting for the results.  Should take at least four (4) weeks.

Many years ago the IT company I worked for was busy off shoring as much as they could. There came a need for a manager to go to Brazil NOW.

He didn't have a passport. They paid an unholy amount of money to hire "couriers" that would grease the right palms to get a same day passport.

After that they decreed ALL managers had to get passports (Using the usual cheap process) immediately.

Best time to start the process of getting a passport is when you don't need it!

[GiG]

Can’t remember company name of your former IT gig, but this type of corporate lock step immediately turned me OFF!  When they sent their recruiters around, they all appeared brainwashed, couldn’t answer basic questions, only able to regurgitate the corporate line while genuflecting whenever they uttered “Texas “.  Many acquaintances are former employees who eventually regained some senses.
I can still hear Ross Perot’s voice echoing, “Giant Sucking Sound…”      

[Serk]

I can still hear Ross Perot’s voice echoing, “Giant Sucking Sound…”      

Heh, ironically enough, the IT company I was at was the one founded by Ross Perot...

(Although he had nothing to do with EDS (Electronic Data Systems) at the time.)

[GiG]

Hah, thanks for the reminder, forgot the name: EDS
Yes, I knew quite a few ex-EDS folks & thought there was a type of connection somewhere in my faulty memory, thus the  Ross Perot  invocation (He was right!)  coolsmiley

[carolinarider09]

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

You can renew a passport, even from an expired one, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Might be a good idea to get that done so you have a backup form of ID...

Also, you can get a passport card as well as the book for a few bucks more, I keep the card in my wallet so I've always got bullet-proof "Real ID" type ID on me...

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

Thanks. I believe I will do the above. 

Filed on line today.  Next step, waiting for the results.  Should take at least four (4) weeks.

I got several email messages yesterday and today.  Some seemed strange but..... its the FEDs


6:12AM April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has received your application for your passport book on 04/02/2025. We're now reviewing your application and supporting documents.

6:19PM April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State approved your application for your passport book. We're now printing your passport book and preparing to give it to you.

8:39PM April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has shipped your passport book on 04/02/2025.

We sent your passport book to you using Priority Mail

12:47AM April 3, 2025
The U.S. Department of State approved your application for your passport book. We're now printing your passport book and preparing to give it to you.


So, if you look at the message's time and date stamps, it took them less than 24 hours to process my request for a new passport.  And, given the time stamps, they are obviously working 24/7 

I am waiting to see if they really did the work right. 

[Jersey mike]

I let my passport expire last year since I was not planning on visiting Canada again and definitely not going to Mexico. 

You can renew a passport, even from an expired one, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Might be a good idea to get that done so you have a backup form of ID...

Also, you can get a passport card as well as the book for a few bucks more, I keep the card in my wallet so I've always got bullet-proof "Real ID" type ID on me...

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

Thanks. I believe I will do the above. 

Filed on line today.  Next step, waiting for the results.  Should take at least four (4) weeks.

I got several email messages yesterday and today.  Some seemed strange but..... its the FEDs


6:12AM April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has received your application for your passport book on 04/02/2025. We're now reviewing your application and supporting documents.

6:19PM April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State approved your application for your passport book. We're now printing your passport book and preparing to give it to you.

8:39PM April 2, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has shipped your passport book on 04/02/2025.

We sent your passport book to you using Priority Mail

12:47AM April 3, 2025
The U.S. Department of State approved your application for your passport book. We're now printing your passport book and preparing to give it to you.


So, if you look at the message's time and date stamps, it took them less than 24 hours to process my request for a new passport.  And, given the time stamps, they are obviously working 24/7 

I am waiting to see if they really did the work right. 

I do not have a passport and I don’t have a reason to contact the federal government but I will say it’s my opinion that there are parts of the government (SSA, State Department and VA) that should be open 24/7. Maybe not “fully staffed” but definitely some support. Maybe some are, I really dot know.

[carolinarider09]

The only reason we renewed our passports was that, after May 7, 2025 you will need a "Real ID" to fly domestically. 

Congress passed the Real ID Act back in 2005, in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the government set clearer "standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses."

This law established a uniform set of specifications for driver's licenses and other government-issued ID cards, prohibiting government agencies from accepting identification that did not meet the standards of the Real ID Act.

The law has taken two decades to implement because each state has different standards and processes for issuing photo IDs. Several states and the American Civil Liberties Union criticized the law, saying the federal government was overreaching.

The Real ID Act officially takes effect May 7.


It was far easier for my wife and I to upgrade our Passports than to change our current Drivers Licenses to "Real IDs". 

Once we receive our Passports, we can then take the passport to the Local DMV License Place and get the needed "Star" added to our Drivers License.  That will also comply with the requirements for travel.

If you don't want to upgrade your Drivers License and don't have a Real ID you can use one of the following:


DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, SENTRI, FAST)
Permanent resident card
U.S. Department of Defense ID
Border-crossing card
State-issued enhanced driver's license
Photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation/Indian tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
U.S. merchant mariner credential

You will need the Real ID sometime..   Remember, the law was passed by Congress in 2005 and it has taken 20 years to get here. 

https://thepointsguy.com/news/real-id/

[scooperhsd]

It's not THAT difficult to get a RealID. I got my Kansas Driver's License with it back in 2018.

[Jersey mike]

It's not THAT difficult to get a RealID. I got my Kansas Driver's License with it back in 2018.

It took NJ a long time to get to the point they could issue RealID licenses. Can’t say what year they finally got it all squared away but it can’t be more than a year or two ago.

Starting this coming May, is the last time you will be able to fly out of NJ without a Real ID license.

I just went through drivers license renewal, but could not get an appointment at MVC (DMV) appointments were all booked so to renew (before license expired) I had to just a basic renewal through the mail.

I have the paperwork for a passport sitting on my dining room table.

[carolinarider09]

New Passport arrived today.