Collins, Capito Raise Concerns About SSA Beneficiary Access after SSA Shutters Operations During Business Hours

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley raising concerns that SSA beneficiaries would have difficulty accessing benefit services following a decision to close SSA offices nationwide during business hours.  Senator Collins is the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Senator Capito is the Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.

“We write to express concern regarding your decision to close all Social Security Administration (SSA) offices at noon on May 10 and May 24 in honor of ‘Public Service Recognition Week.’ Like you, we value the contributions of public servants, but displays of employee appreciation should not come at the expense of beneficiary access to SSA services,” the Senators wrote.

“SSA plays a crucial role in ensuring that our nation’s retired workers and most vulnerable populations have timely access to the benefits to which they are entitled. SSA abdicated its core function of service to the public by undertaking this sweeping operational change with little notice and accommodation for beneficiaries,” the Senators continued.

On May 8, the Senate Appropriations Committee was notified that SSA would provide all SSA employees with several hours of administrative leave in honor of Public Service Recognition Week, closing all offices at noon on Friday, May 10 and Friday, May 24.

In the letter, Senators Collins and Capito requested responses to questions regarding the impacts of this decision on beneficiary services as well as the associated costs by May 28, 2024.

Click HERE to read the full letter.

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