The Social Security Administration announces changes to its claim-filing procedure. Starting Monday, April 14, new anti-fraud tools will kick in when someone attempts to file a claim over the phone. The technology will reportedly analyze patterns and anomalies within a person’s account. If irregularities are detected, the person will be asked to continue the claim in person, where proof of identity will be required.
The agency says $16.5 million has been spent to modernize its telephone system nationwide. The new technology aims to spot suspicious activity and improve customer service.
“We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,” said Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, in a press release. “These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”
The need to improve or streamline SSA has been known for some time. However, the recent assault on the agency by billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE has many officials, politicians, and average Americans fighting mad. The rising concerns about cutbacks, layoffs, and changes at SSA have boosted the number of calls to SSA. Last month alone, the agency reportedly received 10.4 million calls, the highest volume in seven years.
Also, as thousands of US citizens take to the streets or attend rallies to voice their disapproval of actions taken by the Trump administration, attacks on the SSA are one of the primary motivating factors.
More than 73 million people received social security benefits in February 2025, according to the latest figures from SSA. For many, those benefits are vital to their financial survival.
