October 16, 2021

Congressman Sam Graves joined 50 of his colleagues this week in urging the Social Security Administration to reopen their Field Offices across the country. The letter calls on Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi and American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley to develop a plan to reopen the more than 1,500 Social Security field offices that are currently closed to the public. Many of those offices have been closed since March of last year.

“For decades, American’s seniors have relied on Social Security field offices being open to get access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said Graves. “Many seniors either don’t use or don’t have access to reliable internet. Getting someone on the phone is often difficult, with long wait times. We have all the tools to reopen these offices safely. We need to get it done. I want every senior to know that my office is open and if they’re having trouble getting the benefits they’ve earned from the Social Security Administration, we’re here to help.”

The letter also notes concerns that “the continued closure of SSA’s field offices will result in further delays in processing critical benefits and other services, on top of the already existing benefits backlog.”

Congressman Graves’ Kansas City District Office is open to walk-ins Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The St. Joseph and Hannibal District offices are open to walk-ins by appointment. Congressman Graves also has staff that is available to meet with constituents throughout the district.