WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans – including children – will be better served by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when it comes to protecting against identity theft and planning for retirement thanks to legislation recently passed by the Ways and Means Committee. H.R. 5348, the Social Security Child Protection Act of 2025 – introduced by Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) – would require the SSA to immediately issue a new Social Security number (SSN) to children whose SSNs has been comprised due to loss or theft versus waiting to see if any harm comes. Similarly, H.R. 5345, the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act – introduced by Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) – would ensure those whose SSNs have been misused have a single point of contact at the agency with which to work to resolve the issue.
Further building on this effort to make the SSA more attentive to the needs of seniors, the Committee also approved H.R. 5284, the Claiming Age Clarity Act – introduced by Representative Smucker (PA-11) and Representative Don Beyer (VA-08) – to give Americans at or near retirement clearer information with which to make smarter decisions about when to begin claiming their Social Security benefits.
Organizations advocating on behalf of seniors are championing these policy solutions – all of which received broad bipartisan support by the Ways and Means Committee.
Social Security Child Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 5348)
Requires the SSA to issue a new SSN to a child under the age of 14 in certain circumstances when that child’s Social Security card has been compromised due to loss or theft.
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Action
“In today’s digital age, the risk of identity theft begins early in life, and no child should have their financial future compromised before they even open their first savings account. This legislation strengthens safeguards around a vital program that seniors depend on and one that must be protected for future beneficiaries.” – Andrew J. Mangione, Senior Vice President, AMAC Action
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
“AARP supports the policy of requiring the Social Security Administration to issue new numbers when cards are stolen during transmission, which would provide families with stronger protections against fraud and misuse.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP
Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (H.R. 5345)
Requires the SSA to provide victims of identity theft with a single point of contact at the agency when the misuse of their SSN results in the need to resolve an issue with the agency or when their Social Security card is lost in the mail.
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Action
“The misuse of Social Security numbers is a growing and deeply concerning issue, disproportionately affecting older Americans who rely on their benefits for daily living and long-term security. This legislation, by establishing a single point of contact within the SSA for victims of identity theft, offers a common-sense solution that will promote accountability, efficiency, and compassionate service for our members and seniors across the country.” – Andrew J. Mangione, Senior Vice President, AMAC Action
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
“Identity theft cost Americans an estimated $47 billion in 2024, and victims often face a confusing and burdensome process to reclaim their identities. Improving the Social Security Administration’s ability to help victims navigate recovery is an important step toward restoring confidence and security.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP
Claiming Age Clarity Act (H.R. 5284)
Directs the SSA to change the terminology the agency uses when describing benefit claiming ages to better reflect the implications of claiming decisions.
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Action
“For too long, the terminology used by the Social Security Administration has misled millions of Americans into making suboptimal choices about when to claim their hard-earned benefits. This commonsense legislation is vital to ensuring older Americans make informed decisions that directly impact their financial security in retirement.” – Andrew J. Mangione, AMAC Action
Bipartisan Policy Center Action
“Hard-working Americans deserve simple, straightforward information when planning for retirement, especially when it comes to claiming Social Security…We know that the age at which one first claims Social Security benefits drastically impacts the total income they receive over time, and this bill will ensure that retirees are better informed in their long-term planning and decisions.” – Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center Action
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
“AARP has long supported efforts to improve the terminology used by the Social Security Administration to describe claiming ages, replacing confusing terms like ‘early’ or ‘normal’ retirement age with plain-language alternatives such as ‘minimum,’ ‘standard,’ and ‘maximum’ monthly benefit age. These changes will help people better understand the lasting impact of their claiming choices and make more informed decisions to protect their financial security in retirement.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP