POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The future of Poughkeepsie’s Social Security Administration (SSA) office remains uncertain as the agency has not committed to reopening the location after what was initially described as a temporary closure for renovations. The office, which has been shut down since January, recently appeared on the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) savings website, fueling concerns that the closure could become permanent.
With growing uncertainty, union members representing employees of the office have organized a rally to demand answers and push for its reopening, emphasizing the importance of in-person services for local residents.
Uncertainty Surrounds Poughkeepsie SSA Office
The SSA issued a statement Monday explaining that it is reviewing its leases in collaboration with the General Services Administration to maximize efficiency. The agency noted that many of the leases it is not renewing involve small, remote hearing sites, particularly since the majority of hearings are now conducted virtually.
However, the SSA has not provided a clear answer regarding the Poughkeepsie office’s future, raising concerns among employees and elected officials.
“This is exactly what I feared when it closed for ‘temporary renovations,’” said U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, whose district includes Poughkeepsie. Ryan was alerted to the situation after the office was listed on DOGE’s website under real estate lease terminations.
Community Impact and Employee Concerns
Employees at the Poughkeepsie SSA office say they have been left in the dark regarding the agency’s plans. According to Amanda Bracco, a claims specialist and representative for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3343, workers were initially told the renovation process would take four to six months. However, no timeline has been confirmed, and the office’s sudden listing on DOGE’s website has caused widespread concern.
“We don’t have any solid information in either direction,” Bracco stated. “No one has denied it, but no one has confirmed it either. It’s really ambiguous, and people are stressed.”
In the meantime, residents who rely on in-person Social Security services have been redirected to an alternative center in Middletown. However, Bracco noted that the temporary center has faced challenges, including HVAC issues that have forced it to close multiple times, leaving staff working remotely.
The closure of the Poughkeepsie office would add to a growing list of SSA office shutdowns in the Hudson Valley region. In recent years, offices in Kingston and West Nyack have been permanently closed, with the Newburgh office also shutting down before being replaced by a location in Middletown.
A Rally to Save the Office
With so much uncertainty surrounding the Poughkeepsie SSA office, union members and local officials have planned a rally to push for answers. Workers say the office provides critical services to residents in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties, and closing it would create additional barriers for those needing in-person assistance.
“It is a highly needed office,” Bracco said. “I’ve never seen an office where the demand for services is so great.”
The union argues that SSA’s broader restructuring efforts—announced following the resignation of Acting Commissioner Michelle King last month—are putting essential services at risk. SSA employees recently received notices indicating the agency plans to make “substantial workforce reductions,” while also consolidating its regional offices from 10 to four.
“The agency’s restructuring plans threaten essential services for the most vulnerable members of our community,” the union stated.
What’s Next?
The Poughkeepsie SSA office employs 23 people, including managers, all of whom now face an uncertain future. With the lease officially listed as set to expire in July 2025, the community is calling on SSA leaders to clarify whether the office will indeed reopen.
For now, the rally serves as a platform for workers and residents to voice their concerns. As federal agencies focus on budget efficiency, those who depend on SSA services in Poughkeepsie hope their voices will be heard before a final decision is made.
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