Have you experienced issues with customer service at your local Social Security office? As we have reported in the past, due to stagnant budgets, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has had to close offices around the country.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that the SSA has closed more than 60 field offices and 500 mobile offices across the country over the last five years. Recently, SocialSecurityWorks.org conducted a poll on closures and found that most American people would like to be able to visit offices.
According to the organization:
- 57 percent of people want to be able to call or visit a local office to request a new Social Security card
- 59 percent of people want to be able to call or visit a local office to get information
- 61 percent of people want to be able to call or visit a local office when it was time to actually apply for retirement benefits.
- 86 percent of Americans want more or the same number of local field offices in the future.
The poll results came from 1,207 registered voters. While many of these stats involve people with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the office closures also affect people who are applying for and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
How Can I Collect Social Security Disability?
It is unfortunate that there have been cuts to field offices around the country. These cuts should serve as a reminder that you should work with an attorney when it comes to collecting SSDI benefits. Keep in mind, the overwhelming majority of initial applications for benefits are denied.
We suggest visiting our Social Security FAQ page if you have questions about benefits. We can help you navigate your way through the disability process, which can be very complicated.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers
Troutman Touts: Wait times at SSA field offices increased from 14.4 minutes in July 2011 to 30.5 minutes in November 2013.
Source: http://www.socialsecurityworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SSSC-Field-Office-Polling-2014.pdf