SOCIAL SECURITY CUTS OFFICE HOURS

Starting November 19th, 2012 Social Security district offices will begin closing 1 hour earlier. (The Huntsville and Decatur offices have been closing at 3:00 PM for some time).  Beginning January 2, 2013 Social Security district offices will begin closing to the public each Wednesday at noon.

Why the change?  There is a hiring freeze and overtime restrictions at Social Security. The district offices cannot afford to pay overtime necessary to maintain the hours or levels of service they provided in the past.  

This means several things to the public who may have business with Social Security.  Expect to wait longer to see someone when you visit a district office and expect a longer on hold time when you call a Social Security office.  Employees will still work regular hours but the Social Security district offices will be closed to the public earlier each day. 

Another problem may be delays in processing SSI claims and payments, since SSI payments are processed by the district offices.

We are told that the ODAR or hearing offices will still be open the usual times. If you have a hearing scheduled at a district office (rather than an ODAR office) during the time the office is closed - there should be a security officer to let you into the hearing - even though the office is closed to the public.

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