Letter to Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner Social Security Administration - Dr. Ruiz Presses Social Security Administration On Closure Of Blythe Resident Station

Letter

Dear Acting Commissioner Dr. Kijakazi,
I am writing to express my disapproval regarding the closure of the Blythe Resident Social Security Station in California. I urge the Social Security Administration to immediately reconsider the decision and keep the Blythe Resident Social Security Station open.
My office was recently notified that the Blythe Resident Social Security Station will not be resuming in-person services. In response to our inquiry about the closure, we were informed that the office will be absorbed by the Palm Springs Social Security office. Additionally, it was stated that should our constituents want to access in-person services, they will need to travael great distances to other locations in Indio, CA, Needles, CA, Yuma, AZ, and Parker, AZ.
This is not a reasonable or acceptable alternative for the residents of Blythe. These four locations are between an hour to two-hour drive from Blythe. Closing the Blythe location and simply providing zero locations that are close in proximity creates an undue hardship for our constituents wishing to access in-person Social Security Services.
I understand that the Social Security Administration is experiencing problems with employee attrition and have struggled to find a permanent office space in Blythe. However, it is vital that the Social Security Administration continue to provide some level of in-person service to the residents of Blythe, even if it is a mobile office that holds regular office hours to provide a direct line for our constituents.
As a member of the United States House of Representatives, it is my responsibility to advocate for the needs of my constituents and to address any changes to services that will create an unnecessary hardship in accessing these critical services.
I urge you to reconsiders your decision and offer an acceptable solution. Please contact Alexandra Heller on my staff at (202)-225-5330 if you have any questions or would like to set up a time to discuss with me further.

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