Following the announcement of the upcoming closure of the Social Security hearing office in White Plains, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and U.S. Congressman George Latimer stepped in to ensure continued access to vital services. In a proactive move, they offered County-owned space to the federal government to serve as a new Social Security Office, preserving local access for residents.
Jenkins said: “Our priority is ensuring that Westchester County maintains access to essential services. We are committed to supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities and many others by finding solutions that keep Social Security resources available in White Plains. I’m grateful to Congressman Latimer for collaborating with me and Westchester County to turn this request and proposed solution into a reality.”
Latimer said: “The expected closure of the Social Security Administration’s White Plains hearing office will mean seniors and people with disabilities will have to drive long distances – as far away as New Haven and Albany – at greater expense, to fight for their rights. But that does not have to happen. I am glad to work with my friend and former colleague County Executive Ken Jenkins to offer County space to keep these important services in White Plains. I will work with officials at all levels of government to try to make this a reality.”
County officials are now working with federal representatives to explore potential locations and expedite the process of establishing a new office.
“I have expressed my outrage at the looming closure of the Social Security Administration’s hearing office in White Plains directly to both the Biden and Trump administrations,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Hudson Valley Republican. “I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to prevent it from happening. While this move may have begun in December of 2024, it should not be seen through — too many folks in the Hudson Valley would be negatively impacted. They shouldn’t have to go to the South Bronx or Albany to get service,” Lawler said. “We will do everything we can to open in another location.”
The final decision to close the White Plains office was made in December of 2024, in the last month of President Biden’s administration.
The Trump adminstration would have to make a decision to keep open the Westchester office or open one in the Westchester, Putnam and Rockland County areas. Or they can led the decision stand.
The office loction is 75 South Broadway, White Plains, NY.
