Readers of my column know that IRA expert Ed Slott and his colleagues are among my major sources on the topic of retirement accounts. It’s their business to be up to date on the latest regulations, and they share this expertise with their clients and with members of the press like me.

In addition to his monthly reports regarding retirement accounts, Ed Slott and Co. also distributes a monthly report covering Social Security issues. These reports are prepared by Heather Schreiber, who is the founder and president of HLS Retirement Consulting LLC. She has over 30 years experience in the financial services industry, and holds the prestigious retirement income certified professional (RICP) designation from the American College.

As my readers know, I frequently write about Social Security issues, and depend on experts in Social Security for the latest information. I have found Ms. Schreiber to be a consummate professional, and a very reliable source for the latest information regarding Social Security issues.

When readers explain unresolved Social Security issues to me, I discuss these issues with reliable Social Security experts, including Ms. Schreiber. She responds quickly with reliable feedback and backup information. She is the source for the following update regarding recent changes in Social Security policies and procedures.

In early 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) projects $800 million in cost savings and cost avoidance for the current fiscal year. Some savings are associated with the reduction of paper notices, by transitioning to digital SSA 1099 and other forms, centralized printing, and revising credit card usage policies.

However, according to the SSA acting commissioner, major cost reductions will result from a hiring freeze and overtime reductions. Those changes are expected to reduce expenses by $550 million in the next year, and another $150 million is estimated to come from a reduction in “non-essential” IT contracts and reduction in employee travel.

Unfortunately, the impact of some of these changes for you is likely to be longer wait times, fewer available representatives, and lower service quality. It is possible that accessing SSA support will be more challenging. In addition, recent policies to prevent fraud may require you to prove your identity if you are unable to do so using your personal Social Security account.

New field office procedures: As of April, 2025, SSA field offices will require “appointments only” systems, with limited accessibility to walk-in visits.

One of SSA’s objectives is to improve security, which hopefully will lead to a reduction in fraud. As of March 12, 2025, SSA introduced a more stringent identity verification procedure, which requires a new two-factor authentication process. If individuals want to change their direct deposit information, and they are unable to meet this requirement online, they must visit the field office to complete the change.

SSA has required nearly all agency employees to work in the office five days a week to support the in-person proofing requirement.

In response to accessibility concerns, SSA has committed to processing these in-person updates within one business day, which, if successful, would be a significant improvement over the previous timeline.

Starting April 15, 2025, individuals who cannot use their “My Social Security” account to apply for benefits will only need to prove their identity at a local SSA office if applying for retirement, survivor or auxiliary (spouse or child) benefits.

Medicare, disability and SSI benefit applications are exempt from the “in-person” identity-proofing requirement and may complete the process by phone.

The increased reliance on internet-based self-service portals, combined with ongoing staffing shortages, makes in-person assistance more challenging to obtain.

According to Ms. Schreiber, “You must be prepared for these new requirements. Have the account established, and become familiar with the new digital navigation. Early action is important to avoid administrative delays or disruption to benefits.”

Please continue to write me when you are facing new problems associated with the new policies and procedures.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com.