This bill aims to enhance the Social Security Administration's (SSA) procedures for managing its field offices, ensuring continued access to vital services for the public. It mandates that the Commissioner operate a sufficient number of field offices and personnel to provide comprehensive, convenient, and accessible services, meet current and projected workloads, and maintain public operating hours. A key provision requires that the number of personnel assigned to field offices must not be less than the number assigned on January 1, 2025 . The bill establishes a detailed process for any action that would permanently close, consolidate, or reduce in-person services at a field office, with an exception for public health emergencies. Before taking such actions, the SSA must provide public notification 180 days in advance , detailing the reasons, alternative services, and information about public hearings. Written notification must also be sent to affected members of Congress, Senators, and local governments, offering the latter an opportunity to propose alternatives. The SSA is required to hold at least two public hearings in the affected area and accept written comments, explaining the rationale for the action and plans to mitigate service disruption, particularly for vulnerable populations. A public report summarizing comments and responses must be published 15 days before the action takes effect. Crucially, no covered action can proceed without the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration's review and approval , confirming compliance with all applicable laws and addressing any health and safety claims. A moratorium is placed on these actions until the Inspector General certifies the full implementation of these new amendments. Additionally, the bill amends the Social Security Advisory Board's duties to consider the impact of office closures on individuals with disabilities, language barriers, and other vulnerable populations. It also requires a report to Congress detailing past field office closures, the role of the General Services Administration, and plans for future resource allocation to maintain constituent services.
Maintain Access to Vital Social Security Services Act of 2019
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Social Welfare
Maintain Access to Vital Social Security Services Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-7228| House
| Updated: 1/22/2026
This bill aims to enhance the Social Security Administration's (SSA) procedures for managing its field offices, ensuring continued access to vital services for the public. It mandates that the Commissioner operate a sufficient number of field offices and personnel to provide comprehensive, convenient, and accessible services, meet current and projected workloads, and maintain public operating hours. A key provision requires that the number of personnel assigned to field offices must not be less than the number assigned on January 1, 2025 . The bill establishes a detailed process for any action that would permanently close, consolidate, or reduce in-person services at a field office, with an exception for public health emergencies. Before taking such actions, the SSA must provide public notification 180 days in advance , detailing the reasons, alternative services, and information about public hearings. Written notification must also be sent to affected members of Congress, Senators, and local governments, offering the latter an opportunity to propose alternatives. The SSA is required to hold at least two public hearings in the affected area and accept written comments, explaining the rationale for the action and plans to mitigate service disruption, particularly for vulnerable populations. A public report summarizing comments and responses must be published 15 days before the action takes effect. Crucially, no covered action can proceed without the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration's review and approval , confirming compliance with all applicable laws and addressing any health and safety claims. A moratorium is placed on these actions until the Inspector General certifies the full implementation of these new amendments. Additionally, the bill amends the Social Security Advisory Board's duties to consider the impact of office closures on individuals with disabilities, language barriers, and other vulnerable populations. It also requires a report to Congress detailing past field office closures, the role of the General Services Administration, and plans for future resource allocation to maintain constituent services.