The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced plans to shut down numerous offices nationwide this year. The move comes in response to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) broader goal to reduce federal spending and minimize government operations. However, critics worry that these closures could disrupt benefit services for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security each month.
Why It Matters
More than 72.5 million Americans receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Many beneficiaries include older adults, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. DOGE’s plan to trim the SSA’s budget and workforce has sparked fears that some recipients might see delays in payment delivery and may find it more challenging to access their benefits.
What To Know
- Scope of Closures: According to the SSA, the agency has around 1,200 field offices nationwide. DOGE’s website indicates that 47 of these offices will be closed, largely concentrated in Southern and Southeastern regions.
- Reasoning: An SSA spokesperson told the Associated Press (AP) that many of these offices hosted in-person hearings, which are being phased out in favor of virtual hearings.
- Reduced Workforce: Besides office closures, the SSA plans to cut approximately 12% of its staff. Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek also revealed that the agency will reduce its phone services to fight fraud, saying it will train field offices over the next two weeks to handle these changes.
- Office Closure List: So far, AP has verified closing dates for 26 of the 47 offices slated for shutdown this year. Locations span across Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Specific addresses and dates have been published, with closures scheduled as early as April 24 and as late as September 30.
Reactions
- Advocacy Groups: Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, criticized the SSA’s decision to suspend certain telephone services, arguing that it will force older and disabled Americans to either visit field offices (which themselves are under threat of closure) or navigate an online-only system. He called the plan “cruel” for the hardship it may create for those needing assistance.
- Lawmakers: Representative John Larson of Connecticut, a member of the House Ways and Means subcommittees on Social Security and Work and Welfare, warned that laying off staff and shutting down field offices will likely cause delays and disruptions in benefit delivery.
- Government Employees Union: Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing over 40,000 SSA staffers, criticized the plan as dismantling the agency rather than making it more efficient.
What’s Next
According to publicly available information, the scheduled closures and workforce reductions are poised to roll out quickly, with some changes starting in April and others occurring over the following months. Beneficiaries are encouraged to monitor official SSA announcements and check local field office listings for updates.
