WASHINGTON, DC–
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis along with 14 of her Republican colleagues sent a letter to newly confirmed Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Frank Bisignano, detailing concerns regarding potential changes to services provided at local SSA offices, the SSA website, and the SSA 1-800 number.
The Members took proactive action by writing to Commissioner Bisignano to express their concerns over recent staffing cuts and proposals that can further deteriorate customer service that has been subpar in recent years. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) has publicly stated that it does not plan to permanently close field offices, its draft service delivery plan includes “field office consolidation.” Additionally, 47 locations are currently listed on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website as potential closure candidates.
The agency initially planned to end over-the-phone verification, but later revised its decision, opting instead to implement anti-fraud technology while continuing to allow phone-based certification.
The Members also emphasized ensuring uninterrupted services for seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on SSA benefits, especially as the elderly population continues to grow with all Baby Boomers reaching age 65 by 2030.
“Our seniors have worked hard their entire lives and have diligently paid into the Social Security System under the assumption that they would receive these benefits once they retire. Furthermore, satisfactory customer service must be provided to Social Security beneficiaries, whether that be online, over the phone, or in-person”, the Representatives stress.
They also note that they “commend and support the continued efforts to make our bloated bureaucracy more efficient for the American people”, however, “we must use caution and consider the impact any changes would have so there are no disruptions in services for our seniors and disabled who depend on the Social Security Administration to receive retirement benefits and supplemental security income”, they add.
Signers of the letter include:
- Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO-3)
- Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7)
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1)
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2)
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2)
- Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO-8)
- Rep. David Valadao (R-CA-22)
- Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6)
- Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-2)
- Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS-4)
- Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH-10)
- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA-8)
- Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA-3)
- Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17)
