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Independent VOL. 22 • NO. 19
By Isabella Schoonover and Medill Illinois News Bureau The Illinois chapter of AARP played a role in the Trump administration reversing itself and allowing Social Security beneficiaries to have the option of filing for benefits over the phone. The continuation of phonebased filing is an about-face of a plan set forth in mid-March by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to restrict telephone services for beneficiaries nationwide. Nearly 100,000 Illinoisans mobilized against the plan by writing to Congress during the month of March. Nationally, AARP members sent more than 2 million emails denouncing the proposed changes. In response to the widespread pushback, the SSA issued a series of updates on X, formerly Twitter, withdrawing its previously announced plan and reinstating phone services for all claim types—including those applying for retirement, Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), Medicare and supplemental security income (SSI). The new plan now requires in-person claims processing and identity proofing only for calls flagged as potentially fraudulent, according to a press release Monday from Illinois AARP. “This is great news for older Americans,” said Ryan Gruenenfelder, senior director
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of advocacy and outreach at move would strengthen fraud AARP Illinois. prevention by forcing individuals to go online or visit local New rule caused field offices to prove their idenweb crashes, service tities and file for benefits. disruptions AARP said this would have AARP Illinois and its mem- made it difficult for older bers came to the Illinois state adults, people with disabilities Capitol on April 10 to express and those in rural areas to actheir frustration with the recent cess their benefits. federal actions and call on lawThe proposed changes were makers to strengthen SSA cus- unacceptable,” said Gruenentomer service. Members have felder. reported significant disruptions About 140,000 people age in service in recent months, in- 65 and older in Illinois live cluding long wait times at SSA more than 45 miles roundtrip field offices, frequent website from the nearest Social Securicrashes and an increase in calls ty office, according to an April getting disconnected due to a 8 report by the Center on Budlack of available representa- get and Policy Priorities. Once tives. there, individuals report having “As a retiree, I count on my to wait for hours in long lines to Social Security benefits, and see an available customer serthey actually provide more than vice agent. half of my monthly income,” The only alternative to said Sandra McAvoy, an AARP in-person and phone services— member and volunteer with the the SSA’s online portal sysIllinois state legislature. “That tem—is not a reliable option income has enabled me to live for many beneficiaries. Roughindependently and very com- ly 28 percent of households in fortably.” Illinois do not have subscripIn Illinois, about 2.3 million tions to high-speed internet, people receive some form of according to a 2024 report from Social Security benefits. More the Benton Institute for Broadthan 40 percent of Illinois res- band and Society. idents age 65 or older rely on These challenges were in Social Security for at least half place long before the now-reof their income, while around scinded changes. But AARP 20 percent rely on it for at least said there has since been a re90 percent of their income, ac- cent “rapid deterioration” in cording to AARP. customer service that has reThe SSA was planning to sulted in callers waiting hours end phone-based claims as an at a time to get connected with anti-fraud measure, saying the an available representative.
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Social Security rescinding plan to end phone-based filing called a win for Illinois seniors
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THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
Village honors Veenstra at retirement party
On April 9, the Village of Addison had the honor of celebrating the incredible leadership and dedication of Rich Veenstra at his retirement party, marking an impressive 42 years of devoted public service, including 12 years as mayor. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches and shared memories, each one a testament to the lasting impact Veenstra has had on the Addison community. The village wishes to thank Mayor Veenstra, for his tireless work, unwavering vision, and kindness. He has set a remarkable example of what it means to lead with heart. The village wishes Mayor Veenstra all the best in his well-deserved retirement! The village also would like to thank everyone who shared kind words, including: State Rep. Diane Blair Sherlock; U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez; U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi; Jean Barbenente, superintendent of DuPage High School District 88; Suzette Quintell, executive Director of DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference; Ken Edl, senior vice president at Wintrust representing the GlenOaks Hospital Foundation; and Brad Cole, chief executive officer of the Illinois Municipal League. Veenstra is show here accepting a gift during the party.
Veenstra recognized by DuPage Mayors and Managers Committee On April 9, Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra was recognized for his exceptional leadership and dedication with the DuPage Mayors and Managers Committee. After 12 years of hard work and service, his commitment has made a lasting impact. Veenstra (right) is shown here with Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin, who was reelected on April 1.
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