The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it is moving back a deadline requiring stronger ID verification measures for beneficiaries looking to make changes.

The new rules will require people looking to apply for benefits or update information such as their direct deposit account numbers to do so in person or via the “my Social Security” tool online — and no longer over the phone.

This change was supposed to take effect April 1, but has been moved to April 14, according to a statement from acting SSA commissioner Lee Dudek.

“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” Dudek’s statement reads.

The statement clarifies that certain categories of beneficiaries, such as people pursuing Medicare, Disability or Supplementary Security Income (SSI) applications, will still be able to update their information over the telephone.

Applicants applying for Retirement, Survivors or Auxiliary benefits will not be able to update information via phone, according to the statement.

The changes come about a month after the SSA announced restructuring efforts to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders — including the layoff of 7,000 workers.

This restructuring has also led to the agency reducing the number of regional offices from 10 to four.

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