Social Security offices to close 30 minutes earlier

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Social Security offices, including those in the Lehigh Valley, are cutting the hours they're open to the public.

Effective Aug. 15, the offices will be open to the public 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — closing 30 minutes earlier than previously.

The government maintains Social Security offices in Allentown, Easton and Bethlehem.

While employees will continue to work their regular hours, the shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face service with folks who arrive at the offices near closing time, a news release said.

The move is designed to curtail overtime pay in the wake of Congress' approval of funding nearly $1 billion less than the Obama administration's request, a news release said.
Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office.

For example, anyone wishing to apply for benefits, sign up for direct deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter or inform us of a change of address or telephone number may do so at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-325-0778.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2011/07/social_security_offices_to_clo.html