AARP Statement on Customer Service Changes Announced by the Social Security Administration

WASHINGTON — Today, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement related to customer service changes announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

“The Social Security Administration's move to force people to visit offices in-person for services that they have sought by phone will result in more headaches and longer wait times to resolve routine customer service needs.

“Requiring rural Americans to go into an office can mean having to take a day off of work and drive for hours merely to fill out paperwork.  The Social Security Administration needs to be able to figure out a solution for Americans everywhere to get help in a timely and efficient manner.

“SSA's announcement not only comes as a total surprise but is on an impractical fast-track, with SSA saying the change will become permanent in two weeks. SSA needs to be transparent about its service changes and seek input from the older Americans who will be affected, because any delay in Social Security caused by this change can mean real economic hardship.

“We urge the agency to reverse this decision, or for Congress to step in and stand up for older Americans everywhere.”

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.