Two big changes coming to Social Security you need to know about

Yahoo Finance ^ | 3/15/25 | Jordan Weissmann

[Libloather]

In recent days, the Trump administration has announced two high-profile and controversial policy changes it says are meant to combat waste and fraud in Social Security.

First, the agency said it would resume garnishing entire benefit checks from Americans who receive overpayments, undoing a reform that had capped clawbacks at a smaller amount. Social Security officials claim the change will help the government recover an additional $7 billion over 10 years.

Later, the agency announced that enrollees would no longer be allowed to change their direct deposit information over the phone but would instead be required to use an online process with two-factor authentication or visit a Social Security office in person. The measure is meant to prevent some types of fraud.

Both decisions have been met with criticism. Former officials and outside experts worry the new clawback policy will punish poorer beneficiaries who can’t afford to have their full checks taken away, while the additional security measures around bank account information will unnecessarily burden many seniors who lack computer skills.

Here’s what you need to know.

Clawbacks

[TianaHighrider]

I know ow several elderly people who are unable to use a computer. It is also practically impossible to get into a social Security office since they decided to make the internet their main business interface.

Either the physical offices need to be staffed with more access. Or there should be a way to verify and take care of concerns by phone or home appointment.