CDT Submits Comments Outlining Dangers of SSA About-Face Blocking Vulnerable Beneficiaries from Accessing Critical Benefits

Despite initially heeding an outpouring of concerns, many around accessibility for disabled beneficiaries, the Social Security Administration (SSA) appears to be forging ahead with plans to require in-person visits or access to an online account to complete certain phone-based transactions.

This about-face will block some of SSA’s most vulnerable beneficiaries from accessing critical benefits, including disabled and/or older people who disproportionately rely on telephone services. Though we appreciate SSA’s attention to the integrity of their programs, attempts to address fraud cannot make programs inaccessible to beneficiaries.

CDT has filed comments outlining the dangers of this approach to people with disabilities and older adults who depend on the SSA-administered benefits that they are entitled to receive.

Read the full comments.