The chatter related to calls for Social Security to open up field offices is getting louder and the agency seems to be under pressure to open up offices, which have remained mostly closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.
The latest call for Social Security offices to be opened comes from a group of 50 members of Congress, led by U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs, R-New York. A letter from the members was sent to Social Security leaders asking that plans be made to open up offices for in-person customer service. Currently there are more than 1,500 Social Security offices that remain closed to in-person customer service. Below is the letter the members of Congress sent to Social Security.
Dear Dr. Kijakazi and Mr. Kelley,
We write to urge you to work together to develop a plan to reopen the more than 1,500 Social Security field offices that are currently closed to the public. Numerous constituents across our districts have reached out to us to express their frustrations with access to Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices. Many of our constituents from vulnerable populations who lack access to reliable internet, or do not have a reliable phone number or mailing address, are struggling to access Social Security services. In order to provide the services the American people are entitled to, it is imperative that these field offices reopen.
We are also concerned the continued closure of SSA’s field offices will result in further delays in processing critical benefits and other services, on top of the already existing benefits backlog. A recent report from the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General found that SSA is facing a backlog of unprocessed mail, including benefit applications and requests for Social Security cards. As you are aware, delays in these areas can cause significant hardship for beneficiaries.
The health and safety of federal employees should be a priority in any reopening plan. With the availability of three safe and highly effective vaccines however, it is clear that field offices can be reopened safely. Numerous public and private entities throughout the country have resumed normal operations. It is time the Social Security Administration reopen as well.
