A numerous amount of Social Security Offices across America are set to close this year due to actions taken by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in efforts to minimize the size of the government.
The Social Security Administration has undergone some changes, including the closure of many local offices. Some of these offices were used only for in-person hearings and did not provide other services such as card replacement or benefit applications.
Despite a recent mandate to implement stricter identity verification procedures to prevent fraud and abuse, the offices are closing. As a result of these actions, millions of applicants and beneficiaries will have to go to the Agency’s field offices instead of calling Agency staff.
Social Security Offices to close
Few of the 47 SSA offices on the closure list had projected dates for when these lease terminations would take effect. The 26 offices expected to close this year are listed below by state, along with the date each lease expires, based on General Services statistics:
Alabama
634 Broad St., Gadsden: Sept. 30
Arkansas
965 Holiday Drive, Forrest City: April 25
4083 Jefferson Ave., Texarkana: May 25
Colorado
825 N. Crest Drive, Grand Junction: June 21
Florida
4740 Dairy Road, Melbourne: May 16
Georgia
1338 Broadway, Columbus: Sept. 30
Kentucky
825 High St., Hazard: April 24
Louisiana
178 Civic Center Drive, Houma: April 25
Mississippi
4717 26th St., Meridian: June 1
604 Yalobusha St., Greenwood: June 1
2383 Sunset Drive, Grenada: May 1
Montana
3701 American Way, Missoula: June 21
North Carolina
730 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids: Aug. 1
2123 Lakeside Drive, Franklin: June 23
2805 Charles Blvd., Greenville: June 24
1865 W. City Drive, Elizabeth City: June 24
North Dakota
1414 20th Ave. SW, Minot: June 21
Nevada
701 Bridger Ave., Las Vegas: June 1
New York
75 S. Broadway, White Plains: May 31
332 Main St., Poughkeepsie: July 31
Ohio
30 N. Diamond St., Mansfield: May 17
Oklahoma
1610 SW Lee Blvd., Lawton: April 25
Texas
1122 N. University Drive, Nacogdoches: May 7
8208 NE Zac Lentz Parkway, May 25
West Virginia
1103 George Kostas Drive, Logan: April 30
Wyoming
79 Winston Drive, Rock Springs: June 20
Impact on beneficiaries
At the end of this month, people will no longer be able to call SSA to confirm their identity. Those unable or unwilling to use the agency’s online “my Social Security” services can still initiate a benefit application by phone, but the application will not be finalized until the person’s identity is confirmed in person.
Given that the SSA will be paying out $1.5 trillion in 2024, these decisions could have a big impact. But structural adjustments and staff reductions risk slowing down processes and delaying the distribution of critical benefits to retirees and people with disabilities. The delays in payments could potentially affect vulnerable populations that rely on these funds for basic needs.
As for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and low-income retirees, Molly Weston Williamson of the think tank The Center for American Progress said that any payment delays could be catastrophic. According to recent research, 42% of Americans 65 and older would be unable to pay for housing and food without their Social Security benefits.
In addition to payment delays, customer service problems are also expected to increase, as Social Security offices were already operating with limited resources prior to the changes, and further staff cuts will only exacerbate the situation.
The closure of SSA offices marks an important change in the way critical services are delivered to the public. While many challenges may arise from this transition to alternative methods of service, such as online platforms, this change highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure accessibility, transparency, and support for all individuals who rely on these vital resources. It is important to embrace innovative solutions while remaining responsive to the needs of the community.