White Plains Social Security’s planned closing on May 31 in New York has created considerable anxiety for vulnerable populations. These include local seniors and people with disabilities as well as low-income recipients, or those without reliable transport options. In a letter addressed to the Social Security Administration, United States Senator Kirsten Gilibrand raised these issues. She highlighted the negative effects that could be experienced by beneficiaries such as long waiting times for hearings or the need to travel a considerable distance to other locations.
This is the Core Issue
Recent initiatives by the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump have instructed the General Services Administration, or GSA, to terminate the leases of approximately 7,500 federal office spaces across the United States. By consolidating offices, this cost-saving measure aims at streamlining government operations.
DOGE‘s website indicates that White Plains Social Security Hearing office has an annual rent expense of $511 908. Closing the hearing office is estimated to save $162 689. This site indicates that the “lease cancellation notice” is also available. [was] Message sent on 1/29/25.” This closure has raised concerns about possible disruptions in Social Security Services and increased travel costs for beneficiaries.
Key Details
DOGE’s cost reduction efforts are said to have saved U.S. Taxpayers approximately USD 55 billion Since President Trump’s inaugural. These financial gains could come at a cost to many Americans, who may not be able to access vital Social Security services.
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White Plains Social Security Hearing Office is the only SSA facility in lower Hudson Valley: Westchester County (including Rockland County), Orange County (including Putnam County), Dutchess County and Sullivan County. This is a list of all the counties that are part of lower Hudson Valley region: Rockland, Orange County (Dutchess), Putnam, Westchester and Ulster. letter from Senator Gillibrand to Acting SSA Commissioner Michelle King Highlights that thousands of people waiting for SSA hearings could be forced to travel up to 135 miles in order to get to the closest offices, which are located in New York City or Albany, New Jersey and Connecticut. The increased distance poses a significant challenge, especially for those with disabilities, elderly people, or without reliable transport.
The letter from Senator Gillibrand further highlights that White Plains Social Security has approximately 2,000 outstanding cases. People are already waiting nearly eight months to have their hearings. It is expected that the impending closing will worsen delays in accessing essential Social Security Services.
Senators also question whether or not the GSA’s directive to end federal leases across the country is in line with President Obama’s broader policy. The potential connection raises questions about a strategy to reduce federal office space without considering the impact on service delivery. This is especially true for people who rely on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security income (SSI).
The Statement and the Perspective
Concerns remain, even though judges and staff will be moved to another local office to handle the caseload. The majority of the hearings are conducted via audio and video. The SSA encourages individuals to read official publications on Social Security Hearings. How to Attend Your Hearing You can also find out more about the following: Your Right to an Administrative Law Judge Hearing and Appeals Council Review of Your Social Security Case.
In her letter to Social Security Administration, Senator Kirsten Gilibrand stressed: As the sole hearing office located in lower Hudson Valley, the closure of this hearing will have a negative impact on thousands constituents living in these seven counties. SSA beneficiaries without an alternate site will have to travel up to 135 miles in order to get to the closest offices located in New York City or Albany. “Traveling to these alternate locations by either private car or public transport will cause significant hardships for constituents, and increase travel costs and times.”
The White Plains Social Security Hearing Office currently has a backlog of approximately 2,000 cases. Individuals are waiting for almost eight months to have a hearing redetermination. SSA’s Hearing Offices are essential to those who have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance, or Supplemental Security Intake (SSI). Many people receive an initial rejection in the process of determining disability.
What Next?
The Senator Gillibrand requested a reply from the SSA before March 3, 2025. She was seeking clarity on why the White Plains Social Security office hearings were closed and what the plans are to minimize the negative impact of this closure on Social Security benefits.