The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is closing 44 Social Security Administration (SSA) offices across the country, including five in Georgia. The move, aimed at cutting costs, is sparking mixed reactions from lawmakers and the public.
Which Georgia SSA Offices Are Closing?
Affected Locations:
- Brunswick
- Columbus
- Thomasville
- Vidalia
- Gainesville
Estimated Savings: Over $500,000 per year from closing the Gainesville office alone.
Why Is DOGE Closing Social Security Offices?
- Federal Cost-Cutting Plan – Part of President Trump and Elon Musk’s initiative to reduce government spending.
- Fewer In-Person Visits – SSA claims that most hearings are now virtual, reducing the need for physical office space.
- Consolidation of Services – Remote hearing sites that share federal office space are being phased out.
Statement from the SSA:
“As the majority of our hearings are held virtually, we no longer need as many in-person hearing locations.”
Political Reactions: Mixed Opinions on the Closures
Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA):
“These cuts are going to hurt people. It means families, children, and seniors are going hungry.”
Georgia GOP Leader Josh McKoon:
“I don’t think anyone’s going to see or feel an impact on service delivery. These are under-utilized properties.”
McKoon’s Experience as a Lawyer:
- Claims he rarely needed to visit SSA offices in person when handling benefit cases.
How Will This Affect Social Security Recipients?
Fewer Offices = Longer Wait Times?
- 12 million clients in the Atlanta region rely on SSA services.
- Concerns over accessibility, especially for elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals.
Congressman Johnson warns:
“When you start consolidating offices and reducing employees, the ability to receive benefits is degraded.”
Public Protest Planned in Atlanta
- Event: Rally Against SSA Closures
- Date: Saturday, 11 a.m.
- Location: SSA Office on Covington Highway, DeKalb County
Johnson urges the public to speak out against job losses and office closures.
