The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not confirmed whether its Poughkeepsie office, closed since January for renovations, will reopen.
The office recently appeared on the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) savings website, raising concerns that the closure might become permanent.
SSA Reviewing Office Leases
An SSA spokesperson stated that the agency is working with the General Services Administration to review its leases.
Many non-renewed leases belong to small hearing sites that share space with other federal offices. Since most hearings are now virtual, the agency has reduced its need for in-person locations.
Some offices are consolidating into nearby locations or were already planned for closure.
Office Listed for Lease Termination
Last week, the Poughkeepsie office was added to DOGE’s website under a section for real estate lease terminations.
The listing shows an annual lease cost of $359,135, with a planned lease end date of July 31, 2025. However, the listing indicates that terminating the lease would result in no savings.
Local Leaders Express Concern
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, who represents the area, voiced his concerns on X, stating this outcome was what he feared when the office first closed for “temporary renovations.”
Constituents alerted him to the office’s appearance on DOGE’s website, prompting officials and union representatives to seek clarity from the SSA, with little response.
Employees Left in the Dark
Amanda Bracco, a claims specialist and union representative for AFGE Local 3343, said employees were surprised to see the office on DOGE’s list.
She noted that no official confirmation or denial has been provided, leaving workers uncertain and stressed.
Delayed Renovations and Temporary Center
Renovations were originally scheduled to begin in April 2023 but were delayed. The office closed in January 2024, with customers redirected to the Middletown location.
A small temporary center was later opened, but HVAC issues caused it to shut down intermittently, forcing staff to work remotely. Initially, employees were told renovations would take four to six months.
Impact on the Hudson Valley Community
If the Poughkeepsie office closes permanently, residents in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties will have to travel to Hudson or Middletown for Social Security services.
Other Hudson Valley offices, including those in Kingston and West Nyack, have closed in recent years, and Middletown only opened after Newburgh’s office shut down.
Broader SSA Workforce Cuts
SSA Acting Commissioner Michelle King resigned last month instead of granting DOGE access to employee data.
Shortly after, SSA employees were informed of major workforce reductions and consolidation from 10 regions to four. The Poughkeepsie office currently employs 23 people, including managers.
Rally Planned to Save the Office
Union representatives argue that closing the office would hurt vulnerable residents who rely on in-person Social Security services. A rally is scheduled for Tuesday to highlight the office’s importance.
“This office is in high demand,” Bracco said. “I’ve never seen a location with such a large volume of need.”
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