Local Social Security Office Closing Earlier
The elderly and the disabled could be the people most affected by a reduction in hours next month at the Social Security office in Colorado Springs.
Effective Aug. 15, the office on Academy Boulevard near Galley Road will close 30 minutes earlier, at 3:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. Officials say a $1 billion budget cut from Congress this year makes it impossible to continue regular hours by paying overtime to employees helping clients.
“A lot of people depend on certain times,” said Ryan Smith of Aspen Pointe, a mental health facility. Smith helps some patients make visits to the office.
“Most of the time, it’s later in the afternoon that they come,” Smith said. “Bosses may not allow people to come here.”
Some clients said the reduction in hours won’t affect them but believe that people with limited mobility and no transportation may find it more difficult to visit the center.
“I got injured at work,” said client Jimmy Barreras. “I can’t work anymore. They’re helping me to pay my bills. We have to take a number, and the lines are very long. We need that 30 minutes.”
In a release announcing the reduced hours, office representatives said people can conduct much of their business online or by phone. But some prefer not to do that.
“I don’t have a phone, I’m not computer-wise and I don’t have a computer,” said Barreras. “It’s easier for me to come in person.”
“It’s hard when (phone) wait times are 45 minutes or more,” said Smith.
Office representatives said anyone wishing to apply for benefits, enroll in Direct Deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter or report a change in address or phone number can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Toll-free numbers also are available for use: 800-772-1213 is the general number, and 800-325-0778 is the number for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
