Logging in to Social Security Account will require text-enabled cell phone (medicare, average)
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Those who belong to that tiny, miniscule minority of Americans over 10 years old who don't have a cell phone can phone the Social Security Administration or go to one of their offices if necessary. I know hundreds of people of all ages and I believe there is one, a single one, who doesn't have a cell phone, and he is 81.
I don't get it about all the anger, the calling of people's legislators to complain, etc. Don't people have a life? They must not if such a trifle gets their knickers all in a twist. This is just not a big deal.
My dear....it is all in the perspective...
I have a cell phone, but am not plugged into the Matrix, like everyone else. I roam free. I do not want to get text messages on my cell phone. I seldom use this phone. I do not like cell phones.
Lest you think that I am a complete technology troglodyte, I was on computers before IBM, when DOS was not standard, and OS and Programs needed to be booted up on large floppy disks. My first computer experience was on a CPM operating system, on a Topper II Beehive, where I learned DBase II. I was President of the Texas Instruments computer users group for the DC area, which was formed when TI refused to switch to MS-Dos...I am a fossil, but not computer-illiterate. I have always been the go-to person in the office with hardware, software and even network issues. I have taught html and web design as an adjunct instructor. I added 4G of Ram to my Costco HP laptop, which meant disassembly of the entire chassis, to include removal of the motherboard.
Why can't SSA have a "call my land line" option? My credit union (Pentagon Federal) does this, with a robo call type message (actually, it is a lady with a Philadelphia accent...)
PS, as a Viet Nam Era Vet, I am in total respect for your escort rider duties. Live long and prosper!
I live in an area that does not get a cell signal on any network, although we do have internet. What are we supposed to do? Put my computer in the car & drive to Starbuck's whenever we need access? Banks use land line phones numbers to deliver these codes, and SSA ought to be able to do the same.
I haven't read all the replies here, but sight-impaired people on disability are also likely to have difficulty with this.
It's a "one time code". When you need to go on to the SS website, invite a neighbor in for coffee, input their cell # and have them read you the text that they receive. It won't violate your security because it's a one time code and will be useless after that.
It's a "one time code". When you need to go on to the SS website, invite a neighbor in for coffee, input their cell # and have them read you the text that they receive. It won't violate your security because it's a one time code and will be useless after that.
Hey, wait a minute. Wouldn't that mean that anyone that has factor one can change the factor two enabler phone number without completing a login?
It's already in place. I logged on today and it wouldn't let me go any further without doing this. You give them your cell phone number they text you a code number to enter to continue. I think it sucks we have to do it. I don't text and I don't like the idea that my SS account has to be tied to my cell phone. It's like blackmail.
I'm going to assume you aren't a SS recipient as I am. It sounds like you aren't. This is a big deal. I have a text enabled cell phone, so although the texting issue wouldn't affect me personally, I know of several people off the top of my head who are SS recipients and don't have texting cell phones or don't know how to text. And have you ever actually gone into your SS office? Getting something done there would test the patience of Job. You go to the security guard, explain your business, then he hands you a number (say #98B).
You sit, sit, sit, and you can't eat, drink, or use the cell phone you don't own. You don't want to use the restroom either, because you might miss your turn. The bored intake workers read numbers frequently, but they aren't in sequential order; different employees work on different issues, so one might takes plain numbers, like #98, one takes #s ending in A, then someone else takes the #s ending in B. And let's not forget they are only open 9-4 M-F and some close early on Fridays. When the employees are on a lunch hour, there's a skeleton crew, so it takes twice as long. The last time I went there to discuss my review status, it was a 2 hour wait Calling also takes much time. The hold time is at least an hour, but they can usually call you back. Unfortunately, telephone services are pretty limited. You can get more done on the website, the website these recipients can't access because of this stupid new rule.
Yes, I am a SS recipient. Why would you assume I am not? And yes, I have been in person to my local SS office several times. You take reading material with you and it's not really such a bad wait. I have never experienced two hours. How often would a person have to go there once he is receiving his benefit? I haven't been in years. No need to.
Edited to add: I never would have presumed to voice an opinion about a matter I know nothing about. I can't blame you for your assumption, though, because that doesn't stop some people.
Last edited by Escort Rider; 07-30-2016 at 03:07 PM..
Yes, I am a SS recipient. Why would you assume I am not? And yes, I have been in person to my local SS office several times. You take reading material with you and it's not really such a bad wait. I have never experienced two hours. How often would a person have to go there once he is receiving his benefit? I haven't been in years. No need to.
I needed to contact my SS office each time I moved. That's how both SS and Medicare are made aware of your change of address. I also needed it for proof of income when I moved to a HUD building. And when I applied for some assistance for help with the cost of some meds I needed. Since I had an online account, it was easy, peasy.
I prefer using the online method because getting to the SS office for me would be difficult since I don't drive and I would have had to take public transportation. In Portland it was one bus and a long walk. In Cleveland it was two buses and a long wait in between transfers. Having an online account where I could do all of this was super great.
I did go in person when I signed up for Medicare. But I was able to make an appointment on the phone and only had to wait about a half hour.
I am one senior who does not use a cell phone, nor do I want to buy a phone and pay a monthly fee to do so. I rarely access my social security on line, so if needed I can go to my local social security office. Just what they need - more people waiting in line at the social security office!
What does concern me is will this also apply to the Medicare on line account now or in the future? I do go on line to verify doctor charges on my Medicare on line account.
Is there anywhere seniors can file a complaint about this new requirement to access social security? I don't think they gave much thought to the number of seniors who do not use a cell phone with test messaging when they came up with this requirement. I can't believe there is no alternative if you do not use a cell phone. Did a 20 year old design this new requirement?
Mary, I am also a Senior, but I bought an inexpensive cell phone (probably refurbished) and I have a calling plan that only costs me $10 a month.
When I was still working I put stuff to listen to on the SD card. Unfortunately, I was working in a grocery store, so I could only listen while the store was closed at night.
Otherwise, I have the cell phone for emergencies and entertainment and now, for SSA to verify me, and my wife, so we can get into our accounts.
We have to do the same thing at a savings and loan where we have accounts.
We still have a landline phone which is nice except for those pesky telemarketers.
Don't waste your time contacting your elected officials or AARP. This was implemented by executive order and Congress will not provide a legislative remedy. Even if they passed a bill, the president would just veto it and there simply aren't enough votes to override. And don't think Hillary will change anything the previous administration implemented. This is permanent.
I've never had a cell phone and have no idea how to use one, much less text. Our phone is plugged into the wall.
Will we be able to access by computer? I have a computer.
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Calling also takes much time. The hold time is at least an hour, but they can usually call you back. Unfortunately, telephone services are pretty limited. You can get more done on the website, the website these recipients can't access because of this stupid new rule.
