Social Security to cut phone support, forces Alaskans online or to Juneau, Anchorage or Fairbanks

The Social Security Administration announced Tuesday it is eliminating the ability of people to file for claims by phone, forcing Alaskans to file either in person at a field office — which only exist in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks — or online, which could prove particularly problematic for remote areas with limited connectivity.

Social Security Administration officials state the change is to mitigate “fraud risks.” The action comes as Elon Musk, who has made false…