WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined his colleagues in Congress to demand that the Social Security Administration (SSA) keep its field offices open. This comes after reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) might take steps to close offices across the country.
“[B]eneficiaries need the opportunity to seek assistance from SSA in person…Closing any of these field offices will make it harder for individuals to access their benefits,” wrote the lawmakers.
Wait-times for Arizonans to speak with SSA representatives have already increased due to DOGE’s cuts:
- The Arizona Attorney General’s office has received nearly 300 complaintsreporting disruptions to SSA services.
- For example, when Barbara Limmer in Glendale contacted Social Security after her dad’s death date was mixed up, she had to wait two and a half weeks for an in-person appointment.
- Teresa Boswell waited outside the Glendale SSA office after being unable to sign up for her monthly SS benefits.
- Senator Gallego has highlighted how cuts to SSA will especially hit rural areas in Arizona, where drive times to the closest SSA office are already longer on average.
Today in Arizona, volunteers will be dropping off the lawmakers’ letter at the Mesa SSA office. The letter was led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
Read the full letter HERE.