Social Security Offices

Social Security field offices are the first point of contact for thousands of Western New Yorkers who rely on the agency as a vital source of income because they are retired, disabled or dependent. These citizens are vulnerable to fall through the cracks if their benefits are not properly dispensed or if their questions are not adequately answered.  It is crucial that we see to it that the Social Security Administration continues to evolve with the changing needs of the American people.

Fixing the Backlogs
One of Brian’s priorities in Congress is to see to it that Western New Yorkers are getting the answers they deserve from the Social Security Administration.  For too long, the Social Security Administration has underfunded and understaffed hearing offices in Western New York.  Many disability applicants have suffered significant hardship from having to wait years to hear whether they are eligible to receive benefits.  At the urging of both Congressman Higgins and Senator Clinton, the Social Security Administration has taken initial steps towards hiring the staff needed to reduce the backlogs, but we must continue to pressure the SSA to eliminate the backlogs and fulfill their obligations to the citizens of Western New York.

Improving Field Office Customer Service
Citizens who have contributed to the Social Security system throughout their lives should have proper customer service when their benefits come due.  Yet, Western New York field offices, where citizens go first to ask questions about Social Security and Medicare, are habitually understaffed, and SSA continues to propose staffing and public hours cutbacks.  Citizens should not have to wait in long lines or be put on hold when they have important questions about their benefits.

In response, Brian introduced legislation in January 2008 requiring SSA to provide Congress with timely, significant information on the state of field offices in the region so that Members of Congress know how well these offices are serving the public.  The legislation would also require SSA to provide Congress with detailed guidance on what level SSA should be funded so that offices are properly staffed.  And if SSA wants to close an office, the legislation would require it to provide Congress with proper and ample notice of the proposal; the only justified proposals would be ones that will not result in weakened access to senior citizens and those who are disabled.

Below you will find the latest on Brian's efforts to improve customer service at Social Security Administration offices in Western New York.

Citing Consistent Backlogs and Increasing Number of New Cases Congressman Higgins Calls for Swift Action on Hiring of Staff & Judges to Hear Social Security Cases (June, 2008)

Higgins Announces Plan to Hire More Social Security Judges for Western New York (May, 2008)

Congressman Higgins Says Lack of Space Is Poor Argument for Staffing Shortfalls in Local Social Security Disability Office (April, 2008)

Astounded by March Report of Social Security Disability Backlogs in WNY, Congressman Higgins Calls On SSA to Provide Additional Judges to Hear Area Cases (April, 2008)

Higgins Introduces the Social Security Customer Service Improvement Act (January, 2008)