Over 485,000 Americans Could Lose Benefits Under Trump’s New Social Security Rule!

If you’re someone who relies on Social Security benefits, you’ll want to know about an important change that’s coming. Starting April 14, 2025, a new rule will require people applying for retirement, survivor, or auxiliary benefits to verify their identity in person at a Social Security office, if they can’t do it online. This could impact over 485,000 Americans who rely on these benefits — and not everyone is happy about it.

The change is meant to combat fraud and improve security in the Social Security system, but it could make things a lot harder for many people, especially older adults or those with disabilities who might already struggle with accessing these services.

Why Is This Happening?

The government says the main reason for the change is to reduce fraud. They want to make sure that only those who are entitled to benefits get them, and they feel that in-person verification will help with this. However, for many, this new process could feel like an unnecessary roadblock.

It’s understandable why the government wants to protect against fraud, but this rule could end up causing real challenges for those who are less mobile or who don’t have easy access to a Social Security office. For some, traveling to an office in person just isn’t that simple.

How Will This Affect You?

If you’re applying for Social Security retirement, survivor, or auxiliary benefits and can’t verify your identity online, then you’ll be required to go to your local Social Security office. The problem? These offices can already be crowded, and now with this new requirement, wait times might get even longer.

For many people, especially seniors or those with disabilities, making a trip to a field office isn’t always easy. Not everyone has access to a car or the ability to travel long distances, and some people simply can’t navigate the online process. So, this new rule could make it even harder for those who already face challenges getting the help they need.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Thankfully, not everyone will be affected by this change:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications won’t be impacted by the in-person verification rule.

• Also, people facing serious health issues or extreme situations, like being terminally ill or about to be released from prison, won’t need to comply with the new rule.

These exceptions are a relief for some, but others will still have to jump through hoops to get their benefits.

What Are the Concerns?

The biggest concern here is that this new rule could create more barriers for people who are already struggling. Not only will people have to make a trip to a field office, but some might also find themselves waiting for hours or unable to get the help they need at all. This could lead to frustration, especially if they don’t have easy access to transportation.

And then, there’s the issue of the online system — not everyone is comfortable using it, and not everyone has the technology or skills to navigate it. For these people, the in-person rule could feel like the only option, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

What Can You Do About It?

If this new rule affects you, here are a few things you can do to make the process a bit easier:

• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated by checking with the Social Security Administration on how these changes will apply to your specific case.

• Check Online Options: If you can, try to complete your identity verification online to avoid making a trip to the field office.

• Plan Ahead: If you do need to visit a Social Security office, expect longer wait times, so give yourself plenty of time. It might also be a good idea to call ahead and confirm any details before heading out.

And remember, there are people and organizations out there that may be able to assist you if you have difficulty with the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Why This Matters

While the government’s goal with this new rule is to prevent fraud, it’s clear that for some people, it will make navigating the Social Security system much harder. For those who already struggle with accessibility or who don’t have the resources to handle the new requirements, this could feel like a setback.