As Baby Boomers Age, Social Security Administration Faces Office Closings

A record number of the Social Security Administration field offices close, due to reported budget constraints, despite the fact that demand for social services as baby boomers age and more people file for social security disability.

The Congressional report detailing field office closings was filed on Wednesday. The report showed that the Social Security Administration had 64 field offices close since 2010, which is the largest number of closures in a 5 year period. The Social Security Administration also closed 533 temporary mobile offices, making filing more difficult in remote areas.

In the 1,245 field offices that are still open, hours have been reduced, the Senate Aging Committee said in its report.

Although the Social Security Administration reports serious problems with budget shortfalls as the reason for the closings and hour reductions, the report questions the administration’s criteria for office closings.

“Seniors are not being served well when you arbitrarily close offices and reduce access to services,” said Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., chairman of the Aging Committee. “The closure process is neither fair nor transparent and needs to change.”

“We appreciate the Senate Aging Committee’s report on service delivery issues and the tough choices we have had to make because of budget constraints,” a statement from the Social Security Administration said. “We just received the report this morning and have begun reviewing its findings and recommendations. We will respond to the committee when that analysis is complete.”

Currently, more than 47 million people receive Social Security retirement benefits, which is a 20% increase over a decade ago, as the Baby Boomer generation ages. In addition to retirement benefits, 11 million people receive Social Security disability benefits, which is a 38% increase from a decade ago.

The Social Security Administration justified the closings by stating that more people are applying for Social Security benefits online, and the administration encourages potential applicants to use the administration’s upgraded website. The report stated that nearly half of all retirement applications were filed online in 2013.

However, the problem with the focus on the internet is that the online application still does not serve rural populations, and many people of retirement age are more comfortable having questions about filing a claim for social security benefits answered in person or on the phone. However, phone wait times with the Social Security Administration have increased dramatically. Although almost half of Social Security applications were filed online last year, 43 million people visited Social Security Field offices. About 43% of those seeking an appointment had to wait more than 3 weeks – in 2012, that number was just 10%.

“There are many, many instances where the case may be too complicated to be resolved simply by going online,” said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the top Republican on the Aging Committee. “Far too many seniors throughout our nation, particularly those living in rural areas, might not have access to a computer or the Internet. It is critical that SSA take into account these issues and the effect on the community before eliminating services.”

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Applying for Social Security Disability or Retirement Insurance can be complex.  However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss filing for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.