Curt Benward, district manager at the Social Security Administration office in Coos Bay, reviews SSA policy concerning proof of identity. Benward said to avoid identity theft, the office checks ID thoroughly. World Photo By Dan Schreiber

In an age when computer data dictates the distribution of money and resources and theft is merely a matter of PIN (personal identification) numbers and a few simple key strokes, government agencies have upped requirements for proof of identity.

This may not be easily explained to a generation older Americans who watch with amazement the acceleration of technology. Small-town residents, especially, are accustomed to being identified by sight or a simple driver's license.

But, according to Social Security Administration policy, because of an increasing problem with identity theft, applicants for new cards must prove they have "existed and continue to exist." Identification must have been established at some point after birth and be of recent issuance to the individual. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, driver's licenses, employee ID card, military records, school ID, marriage records and hospital records. Birth certificates are not sufficient forms of ID, according to SSA policy, because they could represent a person who has died.

Forty-two years have passed since Warner "Van" VanSchoyck, 87, a World War II veteran, started receiving benefits at the Social Security office in Coos Bay.

When his wallet was stolen recently, he said SSA personnel made it difficult for him to receive a new card, preventing him from getting necessary benefits.

To verify his identity, he said, he brought a letter from Chuck Knight, Coos Bay city manager; a U.S. ordinance inspector ID; medical records and military records. But after three visits, he said, this was not enough for Social Security personnel to issue a new card.

"That does not sound like our country," he said.

VanSchoyck said he provided at least two of the identification sources on the list, but did not receive a new card in a timely fashion.

Curt Benward, district manager at the SSA office in Coos Bay, said he cannot comment on the case specifically, but that administration policy indicates acceptability of documents can vary case by case and takes into account an applicant's situation.

"People don't realize the requirements until they lose the card," Benward said. "We want to make sure the person we're giving the card to is that person."

VanSchoyck, who said he is appalled at what is required of him to prove his identity, said that the addition of a security guard to the office after Sept. 11, 2001, also made him uncomfortable. Other local Social Security recipients feel the same.

"Before, I was used to coming here and it was nice and quiet," said Bruce Donovan, 44, of Coos Bay. "Now they act like you're going to hold them up. Sometimes I think people let their job go to their head too much and it's a waste of taxpayer money."

Security guard Jack McCullough, formerly of Roseburg who moved to Coos Bay for the job, works for Wackenhut, a private Florida-based company. He began guarding the local office in October 2001. Since then, he said, 15 to 20 people have come into the office with guns, all with permits. Knives make up the majority of prohibited articles he sees. McCullough said he faxes reports of all weapons to the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security office in Portland.

"Some irate people come in here if they didn't receive their checks," McCullough said.

VanSchoyck, a former sheriff of Lakeside who has worked in law enforcement in Empire and Powers, said he was frustrated SSA personnel could not identify him by sight because he has been going to the office more than four decades. But the rules are in place to protect residents, officials say.

"He should be glad we don't just roll over and give out his information," said Willie Sadler, a receptionist at the SSA. "In the electronic age, all you need are numbers. He doesn't appreciate the danger he faces," adding SSA workers catch fake documents three to four times a year.

Although security has been stepped up in the local office, it wasn't terrorism related.

"The reason they are so stringent is not because of 9-11, it has to do with identity theft in the U.S.," Benward said.

He said the door guard has been the only security difference in the office after Sept. 11, 2001.

But VanSchoyck still maintains he was treated poorly at the office.

"Everyone that comes in the office, he (McCullough) asks them if they have a gun," VanSchoyck said. "I still have my gun. I can carry a weapon so that's not doing very much good," he said about the guard.

"I can't understand that. I lived here for a long time and I have never been so embarrassed."