4/10/2025

N. WISCONSIN - In less than a week, many Wisconsinites won’t be able to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential disruptions and challenges for millions as the nationwide change takes effect. Starting April 14th, seniors applying for retirement benefits or making direct-deposit changes must do so online or in-person at an S-S-A office as part of a new identity verification process. The change comes in haste from the White House amid massive federal budget cuts that have already trimmed staff and resources at the agency. Jim Flaherty with A-A-R-P Wisconsin says calls to A-A-R-P's national call center have more than doubled in the last two months.

  :16 "They're concerned, and they're confused. And it is up to our President and our Congress to work in a bipartisan manner; this is not a partisan issue. They need to work together to make sure that this program remains strong and solvent for current and future generations."

       Tag: People can qualify for Social Security benefits through retirement, disability or as a family member of someone who is eligible. More than 1-point-3 million Wisconsinites receive Social Security benefits. For now, those applying for disability, S-S-I and Medicare can continue to do so by phone.

      Second Cut: There’s also confusion about Social Security Administration office closures, which the agency said have been falsely reported – but cuts to resources and services disproportionately affect rural and tribal communities. About one in five Wisconsinites would have to drive at least 46 miles from their home to the nearest Social Security office, while nearly half would have to drive at least 23 miles, according to the Urban Institute. Flaherty says for some, it's more than an inconvenience.

  :13 "For a lot of folks, Social Security makes up the majority of their retirement income. Cuts to the program and services could be devastating for them. These are folks who are struggling to just to pay their rent or mortgage and put food on the table."

Third Cut: While the Trump Administration has said it will protect Social Security and that changes are meant to address fraud and increase efficiency, Flaherty says folks are understandably anxious about what could happen next.

  :16 "This is a very tough and serious situation that we want folks to be aware of. And this is the time to call your members of Congress and say, 'Hey, you've got to do something before this April 14th deadline to extend this,' because it would be devastating for so many folks."