At least 47 local Social Security offices are closing, being consolidated or moved into existing federal spaces as a result of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'s audit of the agency.
Some of these offices were being used to conduct in-person hearings but did not offer appointments or provide customer services, such as card replacement or applying for benefits. There were also listings for closures of offices that are not listed on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) website.
You can view more information about the lease terminations at the Social Security Administration and other agencies on the DOGE Wall of Receipts.
If you need assistance, you can call the Social Security Administration or use a my Social Security account to apply for a replacement card and your benefits, update your direct deposit information or download tax information.
More information from SSA and GSA on targets to achieve savings
The SSA and General Services Administration (GSA) have released more information about the cost cutting measures that are behind the closure of SSA offices around the country.
In a March 3 press release acting SSA chief Lee Dudek lists some of the ways the SSA has achieved $800 million in savings so far. “For too long, SSA has operated on autopilot. We have spent billions annually doing the same things the same way, leading to bureaucratic stagnation, inefficiency, and a lack of meaningful service improvements. It is time to change just that.”
The list of $800 million in savings includes lease terminations ($15.7 million), cancelling non-essential contracts and identifying reductions in the IT department ($150 million) and staff reduction through buyouts, hiring freezes and overtime reductions ($550 million).
The GSA "will consider non-core assets for divestment from government ownership in an orderly fashion to ensure taxpayers no longer pay for empty and underutilized federal office space, or the significant maintenance costs associated with long-term building ownership — potentially saving more than $430 million in annual operating costs", the agency noted in a March 4 press release. If you are wondering, core assets include: courthouses, land ports of entry, and facilities critical to national defense and law enforcement.
First round of office closures
Recent additions to the closure list
Other options to get Social Security services
If you are impacted by the closure or consolidation of a local Social Security Office, you have a few other options to get help with your questions or problems.
Online. The fastest and easiest way to change your address, get a new Social Security/Medicare card or retrieve your tax information is to use a my Social Security account. The site and accounts are secure and give you the flexibility to take care of your business at your leisure. You can perform a variety of tasks with an online account.
Phone. If you want to speak to a representative, you can call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, the TTY number is 1-800-325-0778.
They can answer your questions and help you schedule a phone or in-person appointment at the closest local office. The SSA advises that wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month.
Automated telephone services are available 24 hours a day and do not require you to wait to speak with a representative. There you can listen to informational messages about topics including: payment delivery dates, non-receipt of your Social Security benefit and direct deposits.
Video. If you are scheduled for or anticipate needing to appear at a hearing with the SSA, it can be done by video. Hearings can be conducted by video, over the internet or by using Microsoft Teams. The online video hearing can be held from anywhere you have access to a smartphone, tablet, or camera-enabled computer with a private internet connection.
