HV officials fight to keep Poughkeepsie Social Security office fully open
The campaign comes after a recent office closure in Newburgh and news that an office in White Plains is closing this spring.
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Local lawmakers are demanding the Social Security Administration fully reopen its Poughkeepsie office, which is now offering only limited services.
The campaign comes after a recent office closure in Newburgh and news that an office in White Plains is closing this spring.
It takes just 10 minutes for Ernest Robinson, 76, to make his way via city bus to Poughkeepsie's Social Security office on Main Street to check on his benefits and address any interruptions.
"That is my bread and butter," he said when asked how heavily he relies on Social Security checks.
The office closed on Jan. 31 for renovations.
A small temporary office offering limited services opened Tuesday in its place.
For in-person services not offered at the temporary Poughkeepsie office, Robinson may have to spend up to three hours on public transit to go to the Social Security office in Middletown or up to an hour and a half to go to an office in Peekskill.
"Social Security is not a handout," Robinson said. "It's something that's been earned by the citizens of this community who worked all their lives and paid into this, and they should be able to be treated with dignity and respect."
Robinson joined the chorus of local lawmakers' criticism of the Social Security Administration Wednesday morning at a press conference at City Hall held by District 18 Rep. Pat Ryan.
Ryan's press team shared a letter sent by Ryan to the acting Social Security commissioner and the nominee for Social Security commissioner.
A spokesperson responded, writing that the renovations of the Poughkeepsie office will require the office's closure for about six months.
Ryan does not trust the response.
"[We're] being told, 'Oh well, the office will temporarily close for renovations here in Poughkeepsie,'" Ryan said. "I do not have faith given the total chaos at the Social Security Administration, especially right now."
A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration told News 12 Wednesday the renovations would be completed in about six months.
He said the updated office will have new interview booths which will improve service to locals.
While many tasks can now be completed online, Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson believes seniors should have in-person options, uninterrupted, no matter what.
"These days when you get notices saying to watch out for scams online, it's absurd for the Social Security Administration to think that people are going to go online to do the most important work they have," Jacobson, who represents Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, said.
In addition to the public pressure route, Ryan is also trying to resolve the issue with legislation.
He is sponsoring a bill that would require a Social Security office in every county in the United States with a population of more than 150,000.
