Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler and George Latimer have formally requested the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reconsider its decision to close the White Plains Office of Hearings Operations. The office, located in the Hudson Valley, is slated for closure following a December 2024 decision by the SSA. This move would necessitate longer travel times for constituents needing to attend hearings.

The lawmakers expressed their concerns in a letter, stating: “According to the SSA’s Regional Public Affairs Office in New York, the White Plains office is closing because the landlord is not interested in renewing the lease, and SSA opted to close the office rather than find a suitable alternate location. This is a laughable course of action.”

They further emphasized that there are numerous available office spaces in White Plains and nearby areas. "There is plenty of available office space in the White Plains and surrounding areas, including space that has been offered by the Westchester County government. The decision to close shop without so much as looking for a new space is an abandonment of Hudson Valley residents seeking the Social Security benefits that they have earned,” concluded Lawler and Latimer.

This appeal follows several statements from other New York officials who have criticized the closure and called for maintaining this essential service within Hudson Valley.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.