Montpelier, VT

Change City

---

• Back to News Feed

AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement

Posted on 03/20/25 by Laura McDonough

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.

"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”

AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.

We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.

What You Can Do:

• Read AARP’s full statement here.
• Catch up on the latest developments.
• Join our fight to protect Social Security. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.

This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the AARP Vermont page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Montpelier

AARP Events for Montpelier

• AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center

  Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET

  Barre Senior Center

  Barre, VT

• Identifying Online Scams

  Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. ET

  via Zoom

  Online Event

• Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief

  Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET

  via Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

Last Chance to Save!
New Pricing Coming in 2025.

This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
Don't miss out, join today and save!

Join AARP

Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Contact AARP
Vermont

• Email iconVTAARP@aarp.org
• Globe iconAARP Vermont
• Map Marker iconContact Us

     

Return to top

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '240925'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Montpelier, VT</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '240925'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Montpelier, VT</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '240925'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Montpelier, VT</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '240925'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Montpelier, VT</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '240925'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Montpelier, VT</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/20/25 
				by <b>Laura McDonough</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in person, eliminating the ability for many Americans to get assistance by phone. This shift, set to take effect on March 31, could create unnecessary barriers for millions—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents who may have to travel long distances or take time off work to access basic Social Security services.<br><br>"The Social Security Administration’s abrupt decision to require in-person identity verification will create unnecessary hurdles for older Americans,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “In Vermont, some residents must travel several hours to reach the nearest SSA office. This policy will force even more people to make these trips, adding new barriers for those who rely on Social Security, especially older adults with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.”<br><br>AARP is urging the Social Security Administration to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that such changes should be implemented with transparency and input from the people they impact most. At a time when long wait times and backlogs are already major concerns, limiting service options will only make it harder for Americans to get the help they need.<br><br>We’re calling on SSA to reverse this policy and for Congress to take action, if necessary, to protect older adults and all Americans who rely on Social Security.<br><br><b><i><u>What You Can Do</u></i></b><u>:</u> <br></p><ul><li>Read&nbsp;AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://press.aarp.org/2025-3-19-AARP-Statement-Customer-Service-Changes-Announced-Social-Security-Administration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full statement here</a></span></span>.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/social-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Catch up</a></span></span>&nbsp;on the latest developments.</li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join our fight</a></span></span>&nbsp;to protect Social Security.&nbsp;<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-and-save-our-social-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact your members of Congress</a></span></span>&nbsp;and urge them to protect Social Security for the hardworking Americans who have earned it.</li></ul></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Vermont. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank">AARP Vermont</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script>

<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script>

<link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css">

<!--
<script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">
-->

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>

<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive"  
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Montpelier</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-barre-vt-c38205.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-BARRE-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Barre Senior Center</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Barre Senior Center</p>
					<p class="loc">Barre, VT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-t4t-identifying-online-scams-4325-qbn82ypwh7y.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-IDENTIFYING-ONLINE-SCAMS">Identifying Online Scams</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-vt-mindful-movement-mondays-class-1-foundations-of-back-pain-relief-4725-f3n44n6pw7g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-MONDAYS-FOUNDATIONS-OF-BACK-PAIN-RELIEF">Mindful Movement Mondays: Foundations of Back Pain Relief</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">via Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTPELIER-VT">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style> 
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Vermont Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Vermont</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/vermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Vermont</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-info/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTPELIER-VT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVermont" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpvermont/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>


</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant and unexpected change requiring certain customer service requests to be handled in" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Calls, on, SSA, Reverse, In, Person, Service, Requirement" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/vermont/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-in-person-service-requirement" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-calls-on-ssa-to-reverse-inperson-service-requirement-vt-2025-03-20.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Calls on SSA to Reverse In-Person Service Requirement"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="AARP opposes move that will require online or in-person ID proof to process claims, saying it will harm older Americans"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dac0209/2147483647/strip/true/crop/525x338+0+6/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F47%2F57%2Ffae1ae17b40e3528c3d214b6b1d6%2Fsocial-security-graphic.jpg"/>
/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '240925'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '/* temporary */
.RichTextArticleBody ul {
	padding-left: 20px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement {
	margin: 40px 0;
}
.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img {
	width: auto;
    max-width: 100% !important;
	height: auto;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: left;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 20px 20px 0;
	}
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right],
	.RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * {
		float: right;
		max-width: 340px !important;
		margin: 0 0 20px 20px;
	}
}        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Montpelier, VT</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/montpelier-vt/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/montpelier-vt/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118