The Social Security Administration said that recently announced identity verification changes will be delayed by two weeks for certain Social Security recipients.

The Social Security Administration provided a new deadline of April 14 for in-person identity proofing for those who are unable to use their personal account in the “my Social Security” online system. That’s two weeks later than the original deadline of April 1.

Additionally, those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income will be able to complete their claims entirely over the phone without needing to come into the office.

That’s a reversal from previously released information that required coming into the office for all Social Security recipients unable to use the online portal.

“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, in the announcement. “In addition to extending the policy’s effective date by two weeks to ensure our employees have the training they need to help customers, Medicare, Disability, and SSI applications will be exempt from in-person identity proofing because multiple opportunities exist during the decision process to verify a person’s identity.”

Those who aren’t able to use the online portal who are applying for Retirement, Survivors or Auxiliary (spouse or child) benefits will still need to come into a Social Security office to verify their identity.

However, the Social Security Administration said they would not enforce that requirement in “extreme dire-need situations,” which include terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios.

The more robust identity proofing measures apply to people who need to provide initial direct deposit information and to people already receiving benefits if they choose to later change their direct deposit information.

“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Dudek said in March when the policy was first introduced. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”

The Social Security Administration provides a webpage about what to know about proving identity, which includes a list of acceptable documents to use as proof.

In-person appointments may become more challenging for some as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to close nearly 50 Social Security offices across the country.

Dudek is a 25-year federal employee recently promoted to head the Social Security Administration by the Trump administration. The Social Security Administration had recently opened an investigation into Dudek over whether he improperly shared information with DOGE associates and then the Trump administration promoted him.

In a recent memo to staff, Dudek said: “Personally, I have made some mistakes, which makes me human like you. I promise you this, I will continue to make mistakes, but I will learn from them. My decisions will always be with the best intentions for this agency, the people we serve, and you.”

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