Many Social Security recipients may be required to visit offices in person to verify their identities because of new regulations the agency says will address fraud.
At the same time, the Department of Government Efficiency is closing several Social Security Administration office locations across the country — but none in the Chattanooga area.
At the end of the month, identity verification over the phone will be prohibited for new Social Security applicants and those seeking to modify direct deposit information. People who are unable to verify their identity through the agency’s online service will need to visit an agency field office.
As of Friday, four Social Security offices across Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama were on DOGE’s list of lease terminations. The Social Security Administration, meanwhile, published a separate list of 64 lease terminations. Those included seven additional leases in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama not included on the DOGE website.
None of the 11 slated for closure are in the Chattanooga area.