Jacobs pushes to have 1,500 Social Security offices reopened

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) led 51 House colleagues in calling for the Social Security Administration and the American Federation of Government Employees to immediately develop a plan to reopen in-person Social Security services in the more than 1,500 locations around the country.

“While most businesses and government agencies have resumed in-person services for Americans, the Social Security Administration has failed to provide a timeline or even a plan to reopen their 1,500 field offices,” Jacobs said. “Millions of Americans struggle with access to reliable internet or phone services which imperils their access to their benefits and help they need. It is time for the Social Security Administration to restore the in-person customer service our constituents deserve.”

Most Social Security Administration field offices have been closed for in-person services due to the pandemic. Despite the return to in-person services at congressional offices, state and local government offices, passport agencies, and numerous other government agencies, Social Security offices have not made similar progress.

“Many in my district, especially seniors, routinely call my offices concerned about the lack of in-person services available to apply for benefits, process appeals, or request Social Security cards,” Jacobs said. “With the abundance of three effective vaccines and established safety protocols, there is no excuse for Social Security Administration to deny any American access to these critical in-person services. I am calling on the Social Security Administration and the American Federation of Government Employees to immediately develop a plan and timetable to reopen their field offices.”