Others consider it an egregious example of a bloated and corrupt government bureaucracy and say saving for retirement is a worthy goal best managed in the private sector.
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Political rhetoric aside, many remain confused about the effects of the new rules first announced on March 18 and later significantly modified under pressure from advocates for seniors and those with disabilities.
Here are some of the questions and issues posed to me in response to the column.
Do I have to verify my identity in person to continue receiving my monthly check?
No. Anyone receiving a Social Security benefit will continue to receive it uninterrupted, according to the Social Security Administration. There’s no new requirement for current recipients of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to verify their identity or do anything else.
When is identity verification required?
When you first apply for your benefit, you must verify your identity. That’s not new and, of course, makes perfect sense. If you are a current recipient, you may have to verify your identity if you change your direct deposit banking information. Some current recipients, however, may be able to do so without verifying their identity by using their bank’s automatic enrollment service.
What’s the first step to verifying my identity?
The Social Security Administration strongly recommends that you create a secure personal online account, called “my Social Security.” To do so, you must verify your identity. Having an account allows you to transact all your Social Security business online.
What’s the next step?
You must upload a driver’s license or state ID card from your phone or computer and take a photo of yourself (with your phone). You also must have a Social Security number.
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When should I create an account?
You can — and probably should — create your account long before you plan to take your Social Security benefit. For one thing, your account will show you a constantly updated range of your estimated benefit, depending on whether you retire at the earliest possible date (at age 62) or wait for the maximum amount of benefit at age 70, or at any time in between.
You can also use your account to replace your Social Security card or obtain an income verification letter.
What if I have limited access to internet skills or internet access?
One option is to get help from a family member or elder service agency to create an online account. If that is not practical, under the rules announced March 18, you must go to a Social Security office to do business. You will no longer be able to verify your identity by phone. In fact, the main thrust of the new rules is to narrow the options for transacting business to online or in-person — no phones.
Doesn’t that create hardship for some, especially those with disabilities?
On Wednesday, March 26, the Social Security Administration abruptly changed the rules for people applying for disability benefits for the first time. At the urging of advocates, the Social Security Administration now says those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income can continue to do it by phone.
Any other late-breaking changes?
Yes, the Social Security Administration also announced on Wednesday that it is delaying implementation of its new identity verification rules for new applicants for retirement benefit until April 14, a two-week delay.
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Aren’t there fewer Social Security offices?
Yes, Social Security managers have laid plans to eliminate 7,000 of 57,000 employees (12 percent) and to close six of 10 regional offices (60 percent) and 480 of its offices (40 percent). Closing offices will increase the time and effort required to do business in person, with the greatest impact on older Americans who are not online, especially those in rural areas.
Has customer service suffered at Social Security?
There are reports of Social Security offices being more crowded than usual and of phone wait times being longer.
Are the new rules part of a strategy to cut Social Security benefits?
I really don’t know. As I previously wrote, President Trump says flat-out that he won’t touch Social Security. One reader scoffed at that statement, complaining to me (and my editor) that I was guilty of “journalistic malpractice” for believing Trump “because he said so.” But that’s hardly what I wrote. I continue to advise being alert and concerned about your Social Security benefits. The president is unapologetic about wanting to drastically reduce the size of the federal government (and Social Security is a $1.6 trillion target). And he’s shown little restraint in his actions so far.
Isn’t it a mistake to assume the worst about Trump’s intention on Social Security?
Another reader complained that I was engaging in “fear mongering” by even raising the possibility of Trump cutting Social Security. The reader wondered if I was acting as an “arm of the Democratic party” and questioned the legitimacy of Social Security benefits paid to those with disabilities. But it’s prudent to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
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Is Social Security an “entitlement”?
Some people talk about Social Security as an entitlement, meaning it’s something you have a right to. But it’s really not. Social Security retirement benefits are earned, one paycheck at a time.
How much misinformation is out there about Social Security?
Probably a lot. A slightly panicked reader wrote to me with a link to a for-profit website that said Social Security beneficiaries must verify their identity in person to continue receiving payments. “Is this true? For all of us? Including current recipients?” the reader asked. No. I suspect that website truly was fear mongering to boost traffic and charge more for the ads it sells.
What is a good source of information?
The official policies of the Social Security Administration are contained in a series of press releases. The AARP, which advocates for older Americans, dedicates considerable resources to tracking Social Security issues.
Got a problem? Send your consumer issue to sean.murphy@globe.com. Follow him @spmurphyboston.