In Welch, West Virginia, 73-year-old Veronica Taylor faces significant challenges. With limited mobility and no driving skills, she rarely leaves her home in a remote area where even a trip to the grocery store can take a long time. The upcoming changes to the Social Security system are raising concerns among seniors like her. New regulations that require beneficiaries to manage their accounts online or visit field offices could be particularly difficult for those without internet access or transportation.
Taylor expressed her frustration while enjoying a meal with fellow retirees at the McDowell County Senior Center. “If that’s the only way I had to do it, how would I do it? I would never get anything done,” she said.
These regulations, set to be implemented on March 31, are aimed at reducing fraud within the Social Security system. Supporters of the changes, including President Trump and his administration officials, emphasize the importance of verifying identities either online or in person for new applications and changes in account management.
However, many advocates are concerned that these requirements will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas like McDowell County, which struggles with high poverty rates and limited internet infrastructure. With one in three residents living in poverty and a substantial portion lacking reliable internet access, the difficulties in accessing Social Security benefits are expected to worsen.
Compounding this issue, the federal government is also closing some Social Security field offices as part of budget cuts, requiring seniors to travel even further. Donald Reed, who manages a local nonprofit that assists seniors, voiced his worries about how these new policies would impact the community. “I believe the public supports the idea of cutting waste in government, but they may not realize the negative consequences of these actions,” he said.
The local situation is dire; many residents rely on federal assistance to meet their basic needs. Reed’s organization provides essential transportation for seniors to grocery stores and medical appointments, but funding is already insufficient. Last year, his organization faced financial shortfalls, and recently, he learned that a crucial grant worth nearly $1 million, intended for rebuilding a senior center, was lost due to more federal cuts.
In discussions at the senior center, many attendees shared their sentiments about recent political developments. Though most support President Trump, they find it difficult to keep track of the rapid changes in policies, especially in the absence of local news sources. Brenda Hughes, a 72-year-old resident, noted that she often visits the Social Security office in person due to difficulties reaching call centers. “I don’t understand a lot of the stuff that’s going on,” she said.
While some seniors have confidence in Trump and appreciate efforts to eliminate fraud, others express confusion and dissatisfaction. Mary Weaver, also 72, remarked on her concerns about Trump’s relationship with tech leaders like Elon Musk and how those connections may not benefit their community.
For many, the struggles with accessing basic services and the changes to Social Security add stress to their lives. Veronica Taylor, who relies on rides to get around, feels the weight of her independence amidst these challenges. “I don’t beg nobody for nothing,” she stated, highlighting the stubborn spirit that many in her community possess, even as they face an uphill battle for resources and support.
