Photo credit: thehill.com
Democrats Urge Action to Keep Social Security Field Offices Open
A significant coalition of Democrats has expressed their concerns to the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding potential closures of field offices. In a letter directed to acting SSA Commissioner Lee Dudek, the lawmakers highlighted the crucial role these offices play in serving Social Security recipients.
The letter states, “We write with concern in response to public reporting indicating you plan to close many field offices this year amidst the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s attack on the Social Security Administration (SSA).” The group emphasizes that in-person assistance from SSA is essential for beneficiaries, as daily visits to these offices tally around 170,000.
The signatories of the letter include prominent Senators such as Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Kirsten Gillibrand (New York), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), and Peter Welch (Vermont), along with Representatives Delia Ramirez (Illinois), Jennifer McClellan (Virginia), and Rashida Tlaib (Michigan).
Previous reports by the Associated Press revealed that the General Services Administration identified 47 SSA offices slated for closure, with 26 of these expected to shut down by 2025.
In a statement released in late March, the SSA refuted claims of permanent office closures, asserting that “reports in the media that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is permanently closing local field offices are false.”
The letter from the Democrats pressed for clarity regarding the potential closures, asking, “Given SSA’s recent attempts to close field offices—only to reverse course after public outcry and claim it never had plans to close offices—will you commit to keeping each one of these offices open? If not, please identify which offices you will close and why.”
The Hill has sought comments from the SSA and representatives of the DOGE regarding this matter.
Source
thehill.com