The change has not yet been posted on the regulation website. I'll update this thread when it is. Meanwhile, I do wonder if a revision would have happened if AARP hadn't written its letter and if reporters didn't ask questions.

Wednesday afternoon, I heard back from the agency. It would be changing its policy documentation to say it's optional. It said the PIN verification was encouraged but callers could still go through the existing authentication method and no one was required to go to field offices.

Former SSA official @kathleenromig.bsky.social also pointed out to me that an anti-fraud measure that is considered optional could be easily evaded by a fraudster simply opting out. I asked the agency about that too.