Recent federal initiatives from President Donald Trump and his administration have led to the closure of multiple Social Security offices, raising concerns about the accessibility of services for beneficiaries nationwide.
Newsweek reached out the Social Security Administration via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump, in collaboration with Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has directed the General Services Administration (GSA) to terminate leases on approximately 7,500 federal offices, including those of the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The SSA is already struggling with staffing shortages. In testimony before Congress on March 21, 2024, former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley stated that by the end of FY 2024, the agency would serve 7 million more beneficiaries with 7,000 fewer full-time staff than in FY 2015. He warned that the SSA cannot “keep doing more with less,” noting that budget constraints have left the agency at its lowest staffing level in 25 years. Combined with office closures, these shortages could worsen delays and limit critical services for beneficiaries.
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What To Know
The Department of Government Efficiency, established to streamline federal operations, has initiated the termination of leases for numerous Social Security offices across the country. This action is part of a broader strategy to consolidate government real estate and reduce operational costs.
Here’s the list of Social Security Offices that have been or are in the process of being closed by DOGE:
- White Plains, New York
- Logan, West Virginia
- Carlsbad, California
- Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
- Batesville, Arkansas
- Columbus, Ohio
- Okemos, Michigan
- Nacogdoches, Texas
- Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Las Vegas, Nevada
The outcomes for the buildings varied: some faced lease termination, others were consolidated, backfilled, leased directly by agencies or moved to federal space.
Mark Hinkle, press officer for the Social Security Administration, previously told Newsweek that the White Plains, New York, Social Security office would not be replaced. Instead, judges and staff were to be “reassigned to other local hearing offices” and the pending case load would be processed at these locations or held via online video and audio hearings.
Mary Ellen O’Connor, founder of O’Connor Law PLLC, works with clients with Social Security Disability applications. She expressed concerns to Newsweek about the impact of Social Security office closures, particularly in White Plains, where a backlog of 2,000 cases already exists.
O’Connor warned that reassigning employees to locations up to 135 miles away could lead to long commutes, reduced productivity, burnout and potential resignations, further straining an already overwhelmed system.
For disabled individuals seeking benefits, she highlighted the significant challenges posed by limited transportation, the need for specialized accommodations and difficulties navigating online systems. While virtual hearings may work for some, she stressed that they do not suit everyone—especially those with hearing or visual impairments, limited digital literacy or a need for in-person support.
What People Are Saying
Mary Ellen O’Connor, founder of O’Connor Law PLLC, told Newsweek: “[…]Disabled individuals seeking benefits face unique obstacles. Many rely on local, accessible offices and personalized support, and the move to remote hearings and longer travel distances creates extra barriers. Limited transportation, the need for specialized accommodations and difficulties navigating online systems could all worsen delays and make it more challenging to get the help they need.
While virtual hearings work well for some, they don’t suit everyone. People with hearing or visual impairments might struggle if online platforms don’t have proper captioning, clear audio or screen reader support. Plus, those with limited computer skills or who prefer a more personalized in-person experience could be disadvantaged when forced to use unfamiliar digital systems. This shift risks leaving behind those who need direct human interaction.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated in a letter to the Social Security Administration: “As the only hearing office in the lower Hudson Valley region, its closure will negatively impact thousands of constituents who reside in these seven counties. If SSA does not open an alternative site, beneficiaries will be required to travel between 24 and 135 miles to be serviced by the closest offices in New York City, Albany, New Jersey and Connecticut. Travel by private vehicle or public transportation to any of these alternative locations would pose greater hardship for constituents, while also significantly increasing the costs and time associated with travel.”
Mark Hinkle, press officer for the Social Security Administration, previously told Newsweek: “SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations in White Plains, NY will close when its lease expires on May 31, 2025. The General Services Administration informed the agency that the landlord is not renewing the lease. There are no plans to replace the White Plains office.
Judges and staff will be reassigned to other local hearing offices and those hearing offices will process the pending case load, the vast majority of which are online video and audio hearings, as opposed to in-person. Please refer to our publications How to Attend Your Hearing and Your Right to an Administrative Law Judge Hearing and Appeals Council Review of Your Social Security Case for more information about Social Security hearings.”
What Happens Next
At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), President Donald Trump made several statements about Social Security that have sparked widespread discussion. Trump criticized the current state of the Social Security system, calling it “a scam” due to the alleged presence of deceased individuals in the benefits database. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to rooting out fraud and ensuring that Social Security benefits are only paid to eligible recipients.