Rockland Reporter

Pearl River, N.Y. - Congressman Mike Lawler has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Social Security Administration (SSA) following the decision to close the White Plains Social Security Hearing Office. The closure comes after Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek dismissed a bipartisan appeal by Lawler and Congressman George Latimer to keep the office operational.

The current lease at 75 S. Broadway in White Plains is set to expire on May 31, 2025. Despite Westchester County's offer of alternative space, SSA declined to consider this option. Dudek attributed the decision to mold issues in the existing building and assured that most claimants would not be affected.

Lawler voiced strong opposition, stating, “The decision to close the only Social Security Hearing Office in the Hudson Valley is a slap in the face to thousands of my constituents who rely on these services.” He highlighted that this office manages over 2,000 backlogged cases and conducts numerous in-person hearings annually. "Telling my constituents that they now have to travel hours to Lower Manhattan, New Haven, the Bronx, or Goshen is completely unacceptable," he added.

He further criticized SSA's response: “Westchester County offered a solution, and instead of working to find an alternative location, the SSA is turning its back on thousands of people who need these services. Concerns about mold don’t justify abandoning folks in the Lower Hudson Valley.”

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