Senate Democrats launch a “Social Security war room” amid concerns of service reductions that could amount to “backdoor” benefits cuts.

AARP New York members urged Congress to improve the administrative process so that people can easily be connected with benefits that often sustain their lifestyles.

With less than a week to go before a deadline that the Social Security Administration set to end phone support for certain customer service needs, the agency braked and hit reverse.

The Social Security Administration has backed off on its plans to make more older Americans travel to field offices when they apply for retirement benefits. The agency had planned to require anyone filing for benefits or changing bank account information to verify their identities in person instead of over the phone if they were unable to do so through the agency’s website.

Public outcry appears to have convinced the agency to abandon a plan that would have required in-person visits for some beneficiaries.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed to AARP that beginning Monday, April 14, it will allow all claim types to be completed over the telephone, as they