SSA, DOGE Cause Confusion in Office Closure Reports
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issued a press release March 27 accusing media reports of falsely spreading allegations that it had closed dozens of agency offices throughout the U.S.
In a statement on its website, the SSA said it “has not permanently closed or announced the permanent closure of any local field office” since January 1, but admitted that it has indefinitely closed a hearing office located in White Plains, NY.
Instead, the agency added that it may temporarily close local field offices due to weather, damage, or facility issues, but will reopen the offices once the issues are resolved.
“SSA is committed to providing service where people need help and our local field offices are no exception,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, in a statement. “We have not permanently closed any local field offices this year.”
Further, the agency said it provided to the General Services Administration a list of “underutilized office space” for termination, as most hearings are held virtually. “Most of these are small hearing rooms with no assigned employees. Since most hearings are held virtually, SSA no longer needs these underutilized rooms,” the agency wrote in its statement.
The release comes as the Associated Press reported last month that SSA offices were anticipated to close due to interruptions posed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). De facto DOGE leader Elon Musk has stated his intentions to downsize the agency and eradicate “fraud and waste” by cutting jobs and terminating leases.
DOGE had previously published a list of hundreds of federal real estate leases it said it had planned to close—47 of which are SSA offices in 18 states. Of the 47 listed, 26 are expected to close in 2025. These locations include a couple to several offices in North Carolina, Texas, New York, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
In its analysis, the AP found that of the offices to be closed this year, only a few had proposed closed dates ready.
