Feb 7, 2008

Real ID Headaches Coming For Social Security?

I expect some sanity will prevail, but if not this could make it almost impossible for the Social Security Administration to do business in several states. From CNET News:
Starting May 11, Americans living in states that don't comply with new federal regulations could be barred from entering Washington's visitor center and collecting the complimentary maps and brochures--unless they happen to bring a passport or military ID with them.

That not-very-welcoming rule is part of a 2005 law called the Real ID Act, which takes effect in just over three months. It says that driver's licenses from states that have not agreed to Real ID mandates from the Department of Homeland Security, or which have not requested a deadline extension, can no longer be used to access "federal facilities."

Because the visitor center is in a government building that checks ID, it might just become off-limits to Americans with licenses or state ID cards from the following noncompliant states: Maine, South Carolina, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire. Fifteen other states and the District of Columbia have not decided whether to comply or ask for an extension, according to a survey conducted by CNET News.com over the last two weeks, meaning the fate of driver's licenses and state ID cards used by their residents remains uncertain. ...

Other effects of Real ID include: Social Security: Some Social Security offices are inside federal buildings, which means that Americans trying to replace a Medicare card or apply in person for government benefits could be inconvenienced. "In terms of getting into federal buildings, that wouldn't be something I could answer," said Mark Hinkle, a Social Security Administration spokesman who referred questions to Homeland Security.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What's the difference--with staff cutbacks and office closings, people will have to use the phone and internet anyway.

Anonymous said...

SSA employees have to be issued super secure ID to get into buildings, so why should other people coming into buildings have to provide more secure ID.

Of course my ID application was submitted in October and I'm still waiting for the new ID badge. Hopefully, I'll get it before I retire.

Plus you can order a Medicare card online, so that's no reason to be going into a field office.

Anonymous said...

Whoops S/B

why shouldn't other people coming into buildings have to provide more secure ID.