Acting Social Security Commissioner Nancy Berryhill recently provided a message to all Social Security employees about the turmoil the agency has faced related to hurricanes causing massive damage to Texas and Florida and about how Social Security will move forward in an effort to provide services to the American people. Below is Berryhill’s message to all Social Security employees.
The one-two punch of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma has presented challenges for our employees and facilities. The tireless efforts of regional, area, and local staff in Dallas, Atlanta and New York have helped ensure that we continue to deliver on the mission of the agency in trying times. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Many Social Security offices in Florida remain closed. Widespread power outages in Florida and across the Southeast are complicating office re-openings. The Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas field offices remain closed and we continue to work on securing alternate space. The remediation work in those and other offices, including in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, has begun.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) authorized the activation of the Hurricane Harvey Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP) as another measure to help adversely affected employees. For employees who wish to donate annual leave to the ELTP, please complete Form OPM-1638, Request to Donate Leave and contact your supervisor for additional information. If OPM makes a similar authorization for employees affected by Irma, we will let you know immediately. For general donations, visit the Federal Employee Education and Assistance (FEEA) Fund at http://www.feea.org/, which collects contributions specifically for federal employees.
To stay updated on service delivery in hurricane-affected areas, please visit our office closings and severe weather pages. Recovery efforts in these areas will take time. Please join me in keeping those affected in your thoughts.
