Social Security Changes Potentially Affecting Residents in Long-Term Care
Starting April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement updated identity verification procedures intended to enhance security and combat fraud. The SSA will require individuals to prove their identity if applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or changing direct deposit information for existing benefits. Individuals are encouraged to use the online portal my Social Security to complete this process or may complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office. Individuals who are unable to use their online account to change direct deposit information will need to visit a Social Security office to process the change.
The identity verification changes apply only to new applicants for Social Security retirement benefits or individuals making changes to their account, including changes to direct deposit. The new policy does not affect those who are already receiving benefits and are not making changes to their account, and the agency will not enforce these requirements in extreme dire-need situations, such as terminal cases. SSA is currently developing a process that will require documentation and management approval to bypass the policy in such dire need cases.
Separately, President Trump signed an executive order this week mandating that the federal government stop sending paper checks for any payments, including Social Security benefits by September 30, 2025. This will affect nearly 500,000 Americans who currently receive paper checks across all government payments; anyone who currently receives a paper check will need to set up direct deposit before September. Additionally, SSA will now withhold 100% of a person’s monthly benefit to recover overpayments, up from 10% of monthly benefits until the overpayment is recovered.
Likely the most common application of these changes in the long-term care sector will be identity verification for residents who change their direct deposit information. To prepare residents and families for these changes, WHCA is sharing a sample letter, written by our national Argentum partner, that members can customize and share with residents and their families in response to these changes.
For questions in assisted living, please contact Vicki McNealley while skilled nursing providers can email Elena Madrid.
