Pulaski Times

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently grappling with high call volumes, leading to significant customer service delays. According to officials, many callers have faced extended waiting times on the national hotline. As a solution, individuals are advised to contact their nearest Field Office directly. The SSA provides a tool for locating these offices by zip code on their website.

Recent changes have contributed to an increase in inquiries. The implementation of a new identity verification procedure requires action only from those applying for benefits or updating their direct deposit details. The majority of current recipients, not making such changes, do not need to verify their identity.

A significant development is the shift toward eliminating paper checks for benefits, effective September 30, 2025. While more than 99 percent of recipients already receive their benefits via direct deposit, approximately 480,000 Americans, including around 5,800 in Arkansas, still rely on mailed checks.

This transition is part of a longstanding initiative to streamline payments, but it requires affected recipients to act to ensure they can smoothly receive their benefits. Caretakers and fiduciaries must also be vigilant in assisting those who may not be aware of or able to manage these changes themselves.

Assistance for switching to digital payments is available through the SSA’s website. If any difficulties arise, individuals are encouraged to reach out to local offices or their representatives for support.