CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina organization is preparing for a potential boost in services due to drastic changes in the Social Security system.
On March 31, the Social Security Administration will no longer allow new recipients or those trying to change their direct deposit information to verify their identity over the phone.
Retirees must instead utilize the “my Social Security” online account or go to an office in-person to prove their identity for benefit claims and direct deposit changes.
Some advocates expressed concerns about disruptions in benefits, due to seniors lacking transportation or internet capabilities.
A nonprofit says it stands ready to assist older populations with those dire needs.
The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte is a nonprofit, interfaith organization serving adults 55 and up living in Mecklenburg County.
The center’s volunteers and staff empower older adults through social activities, Medicare consulting and transportation services.
“Our mission is to enrich the lives of older adults, through providing opportunities for social connection, access to critical resources and ultimately combat the effects of social isolation,” said Alissa Celek, executive director for Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte.
Celek said the new SSA changes could pose challenges for older populations. As a result, she said the center is expecting to serve more participants in need of help.
"Transportation can be challenging for older adults or people with disabilities in regards to being able to get on the bus,” Celek said. “Not everybody has that access to be able to get there. We do have a transportation program where we assist people in getting people to medical appointments or other essential needs appointments and getting to the Social Security office is an essential need.”
“Not everybody has access to technology. Lastly, do they have the digital literacy to be able to navigate these complex platforms? We do have a technology program here where we offer one-on-one assistance. We imagine we will see an increase in that need as these changes roll out,” Celek said.“Not everybody has access to technology. Lastly, do they have the digital literacy to be able to navigate these complex platforms? We do have a technology program here where we offer one-on-one assistance. We imagine we will see an increase in that need as these changes roll out,” Celek said.
In a press release, SSA says the new identity steps aim to further safeguard benefits from fraudulent activity.
This comes after the Trump administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency announced plans to close numerous SSA offices, including some in North Carolina, for budgetary reasons.
"We're going to be very careful with any interruptions to benefits,” said Musk to reporters during a Tesla event in March.
Billy Lomac receives transportation services from The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte
"It's been very helpful for us, encouraging,” Lomac said.
Lomac is one of millions receiving Social Security benefits.
"It's pretty much where our income comes from,” Lomac said. “It's how we exist financially."
Lomac remains hopeful changes to the benefit process won't disrupt anyone receiving the money they need.
“If there is fraud in Social Security, I hope they can discover that, but if it's just carte blanche changes, that could be dangerous,” Lomac said.
SSA also stated it's speeding up processing all direct deposit change requests to one business day for in-person and online services. The agency said prior to these changes, online direct deposit adjustments were held for 30 days.
