The Social Security Administration is now permitting people to change their gender identity.
RELATED STORIES: Elon Musk’s Child Files To Change Gender Identity And Full Name, Says They “No Longer Wish To Be Related To My Biological Father”
The new policy immediately went into effect Wednesday, applicants can now change their gender identity without providing any documentation. However, applicants are still required to provide current documentation to prove their identity but don’t need any medical or legal paperwork for gender transition, as reported by CBS News. Before, applicants were asked to show proof such as a U.S. passport or an amended state-issued birth certificate. For now, only female or male is available on applications, but the SSA is considering adding “X” for non-binary individuals in the future.
In a press release, the SSA said the new policy was a part of their Equity Action Plan. “The Social Security Administration’s Equity Action Plan includes a commitment to decrease administrative burdens and ensure people who identify as gender diverse or transgender have options in the Social Security Number card application process,” said acting commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi.
RELATED STORIES: Couple Under Investigation After Dying Waterfall Blue For Gender Reveal Party
In March, the SSA implemented the Equity Action Plan to support all individuals and their identities.
“The vision of SSA is to provide income security for the diverse communities the agency serves, including those in underserved communities, people with disabilities, workers, and their families. SSA delivers vital services that are a critical part of our nation’s social safety net. For underserved communities who are at greater risk of financial insecurity and persistent poverty, SSA’s programs have outsized importance. Social Security is part of the retirement plan for almost every American worker. It provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. For retirees of color, especially women of color, who are more likely to experience occupational segregation and lower earnings in the workplace, these retirement benefits play a critical role in addressing poverty among older adults.”
An applicant would still have to apply for a brand new Social Security card despite changing their gender.
“This current policy and system design create administrative burdens for gender-diverse and transgender people. To ensure equitable service to gender-diverse and transgender people, SSA will explore policy and systems changes to expand access to benefits and services for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse customers, including by adopting a self-attestation of gender policy without requiring evidence of gender for the SSN card application process.”