But many senior citizens, including those who may have Internet access, don’t have cell phones that receive text messaging. The government admits that it’s an issue, but they now don’t have any solution. Social Security requires a new code is each time you access your account because the code is only good for 10 minutes. Many businesses, including banks, offer such codes, but their use is typically optional.
Advertisement
According to a blog post listed on its website, Social Security authorities state that the added security measure complies with Executive Order 13681 that requires federal agencies to provide more secure authentication in their online services. Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services, or health and human services office, or call the Medicare hotline, (800) MEDICARE (633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs.
The agency said that it realized the new security layer might be an inconvenience for some people. But, it added, “Our research shows that an overwhelming majority of American adults have cellphones and use them for texting”. About 78 percent of people 65 and older own a cellphone, compared with 98 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds, according to 2015 data from the Pew Research Center.
Advertisement
Comments about the change on the Social Security Administration’s Facebook page were largely negative. “We understand that not everyone has a cellphone or cell service”, said Roxanne Williamson, a Social Security spokeswoman. This particular security measure is used by most financial institutions with online account activity. The outcome of this new step should affect a large number of Americans, as more than 59 million retirees, disabled workers, survivors and their families receive Social Security benefits each year, a number that has grown by 6 million in just the past five years. You can use “what if” scenarios to see how your benefit amounts will change with different retirement dates and future earnings estimates. But the online accounts are where people can go to change their address, start or change direct deposit of their payment, and request a replacement Social Security card. The agency fixed the problem by Tuesday, saying it was due to heavy traffic on the website. A texted code is now also required for people who are establishing accounts for the first time. When you enter your username and password, a text message and a code are sent to your cell phone.
