Social Security to Halt Mailing Cards to Millions, Potentially Causing Field Office Chaos
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is reportedly freezing a program that automatically processes and mails Social Security cards to certain individuals, including newly naturalized U.S. citizens and noncitizens authorized to work. This change, detailed in a recent newsletter, could impact millions and strain already overburdened field offices.
Key Takeaways
- The Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program is being temporarily frozen for specific groups.
- This freeze affects noncitizens with work authorization and newly naturalized U.S. citizens.
- Individuals with permanent resident status are exempt from this change.
- The SSA's field offices, already facing overcrowding and understaffing, will likely experience increased traffic.
Impact of the Freeze
The EBE program, a collaborative effort between the SSA and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), streamlines the process of issuing Social Security cards. By halting this program for certain populations, the SSA anticipates a significant shift in how these individuals obtain their cards.
Instead of receiving their cards automatically by mail, affected individuals will now be required to visit SSA field offices in person. This is particularly concerning given the existing challenges of overcrowding and staffing shortages within these offices.
What the Future Holds
The duration of the EBE program freeze remains uncertain. It is unknown when, or if, the program will be reinstated for the affected groups. This uncertainty adds to the concerns surrounding the potential long-term impact on both the SSA and the individuals who rely on its services.
More Information
For more detailed information, refer to the Popular Information newsletter.