Social Security postpones and partially rolls back ID changes

Driving the news: The SSA said the service changes will now take effect April 14, rather than the end of this month.

• Applicants for Medicare, disability and supplemental security income (SSI) would be exempted from proving their identity in person if they could not do so online as there were other ways to verify them during the application process, the agency said.

Catch up quick: The Social Security Administration has been rushing these changes into effect at the White House's request, sources previously told Axios.

• Acting commissioner Lee Dudek told customer advocates that changes which usually take years were being implemented in weeks, the sources said.
• By eliminating phone verification of ID for people who could not do so online, and forcing them to go to field offices — many understaffed and some closing — the agency risked leaving the most vulnerable without their benefits, advocates have said.

What they're saying: "This is a good first step" to address the concerns of seniors and others, AARP said in a statement.

• "Merely delaying the implementation of this change is not enough, though. SSA should take a deliberate approach to its proposed changes to customer service that seeks public input, follows a clear communication plan, and allows a reasonable timeframe for compliance," it said.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with reactions to the Social Security announcement.