Social Security changes increase in-person verification requirements

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is introducing new identity verification rules starting March 31. People will no longer be able to verify their identity over the phone. Those who cannot confirm their identity online must visit an office in person. This change could create challenges for older Americans and those with disabilities. Critics worry it may disrupt benefit payments as the SSA has already closed offices and plans job cuts. The Pentagon is also making significant changes. It intends to reduce its civilian workforce by 50,000 to 60,000 positions. The cuts will be phased over several months, mainly by not filling vacancies. The department is also using voluntary resignations to reach its goal. DOGE, a task force set up under President Trump, is cutting contracts worth $185 million, saving about $90 million. The group has announced job losses across various federal agencies. This includes over 1,000 jobs at the Environmental Protection Agency and about 18,000 at the Internal Revenue Service. DOGE claims its efforts have saved the government approximately $115 billion. However, only $8.6 billion of these savings has been verified so far. Although DOGE aims to improve efficiency, it is not an official government agency. It was created to reduce waste and fraud in federal spending.