Managing Partner Jason Turkish successfully advocates for disabled community ahead of SSA policy changes

While the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) recent announcements of structural and policy changes have alarmed citizens, beneficiaries, and advocates, a recent meeting with Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, and Jason Turkish, Managing Partner of Nyman Turkish and Board Member and Special Advisor to Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD), led to a change in a policy that was supposed to go into effect on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The SSA had previously announced that beginning Monday, March 31, 2025, the agency would adopt a new identity verification policy, requiring anyone unable to verify their identity online—a crucial step in receiving Social Security benefits—to visit an SSA field office in person to confirm their identity. In the past, applicants and beneficiaries who were unable to verify their identity on the SSA’s website were able to do so over the phone. This raised red flags for many individuals applying for or receiving benefits. 

The new policy change would force those without access to a computer or their SSA account to visit an SSA field office in person. This comes after the SSA also announced that it would be closing a significant number of field offices nationwide and cutting 7,000 employees from its already understaffed team. Due to the decrease in the workforce, individuals required to verify their identity in person would face long wait times at field offices—forcing them to spend hours simply to verify their identity.  

Because those receiving benefits are among America’s most vulnerable citizens, they often face challenges due to physical limitations, unreliable transportation, and limited income. This change would create an unnecessary obstacle and impose extreme hardship on those already facing unfortunate circumstances. 

SSA Policy Change: A Victory for Vulnerable Americans

Last week, Jason Turkish met with Acting Commissioner Dudek to discuss the issue and its significance. Those receiving or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicare will be exempt from the new requirement, which is a significant victory for the community. At this time, the change is scheduled to go into effect on Monday, April 14, 2025, allowing time for those without online accounts to sign up and for SSA staff to be properly trained to handle in-person verification.

“This policy would have placed yet another unnecessary burden on an already marginalized community—people who are struggling with disabilities, financial hardship, and limited mobility. They do not need more obstacles. I’m grateful that SSA recognized the harm this would have caused and took action to protect those who rely on these benefits the most.”

– Jason Turkish, President & Managing Partner, Nyman Turkish 

How to Set Up Your My Social Security Account 

To set up your My Social Security Account, go to https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ and select “Create an Account”.  You must have a valid email address and a Social Security number to sign up. 

If you already have a Login.gov or an ID.me account, you do not need to create a new one for a My Social Security account, you can use your existing account to access the Social Security services and create a login.  

Fierce Advocacy  

At Nyman Turkish, we strive not only to win cases but also to change the system for the betterment of all Americans. Our Firm’s mission is to assist disabled Americans in obtaining the disability benefits they deserve. Day-to-day, we achieve this by fighting for our clients in their individual cases. However, when broader issues arise that put not just our clients but millions of Americans at risk, we must act. 

As advocacy for our clients is our number one priority, Jason Turkish jumped into action, flying to Baltimore, MD, to meet with Acting Commissioner Dudek. As a direct result of their meeting, the SSA changed their policy. They will not require our clients and other individuals to verify their identity in person, which would have caused additional hardship by making them travel to a field office. 

Our Firm is dedicated to serving our clients and advocating for disabled individuals. If you need assistance filing a claim visit our website or call 877-529-4773. We are here to help!