Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have expressed concerns to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley about the potential difficulties SSA beneficiaries may face following a decision to close SSA offices nationwide during business hours. Senator Capito serves as the Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, while Senator Collins is the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

“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,” stated the senators.

“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,” they continued.

The Senate Appropriations Committee was informed on May 8 that SSA would grant several hours of administrative leave to all employees in observance of Public Service Recognition Week, resulting in office closures at noon on Friday, May 10 and Friday, May 24.

In their letter, Senators Capito and Collins requested responses by May 28, 2024, concerning the impacts on beneficiary services as well as any associated costs.

Click HERE to read the full letter.

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