Proposed Closure of Rockford SSA Office Sparks Concerns in Local Community

ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced plans to close over a dozen Social Security Administration (SSA) offices nationwide, including one in Rockford, raising concerns about access to essential services for vulnerable populations.

The Rockford office, located at 502 E. Jefferson St., is featured among more than 700 federal offices recommended for lease termination as part of an effort to save costs. According to DOGE’s website, the three-room office, with an annual lease totaling $36,768, could save the federal government $61,280 if closed.

Alderman-elect Tamir Bell of the 13th Ward expressed strong opposition to the proposed closure, calling it “unacceptable.” In a statement posted on Facebook, he argued that it would disproportionately affect seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on in-person services to access their benefits. “Social Security is not a luxury—it is a fundamental lifeline for many in our community,” Bell declared.

Bell emphasized the challenges local residents would face if the office closes, stating, “Eliminating local access to these services will create unnecessary hardships, forcing residents to travel farther and endure longer wait times to navigate a system that is already difficult for many to access online.”

The proposed office closure coincides with reports of a planned workforce reduction within the SSA, which is set to lay off at least 7,000 employees amid ongoing budgetary pressures. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group, criticized the potential cuts, stating, “The reductions in force will deny many Americans access to their hard-earned Social Security benefits.”

According to a January poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, two-thirds of U.S. adults believe that the country’s Social Security program is at risk of collapsing. The impending bankruptcy date, projected for 2035, could limit benefits to only 83% of what is currently distributed.

This restructuring initiative stems from directives issued in President Trump’s January executive order aimed at eliminating underutilized federal assets. Further, the SSA has faced scrutiny for its transparency, particularly concerning the request for access to Social Security recipients’ personal information, which led to the resignation of former acting commissioner Michelle King.

In addition to Rockford, the SSA has identified several other locations proposed for closure. States like Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina are significantly affected—with Georgia alone seeing five office closures. Local officials, including Senators, have urged the SSA to reconsider these decisions due to their adverse effects on service access for constituents.

Letitia James, New York Attorney General, highlighted the impact of office closures on vulnerable populations, stating, “We need more staff and more offices in New York and across the country.” Current backlogs in case processing could further disadvantage those requiring assistance.

The SSA has defended its cost-cutting measures by explaining that most of the leases terminated are for smaller, seldom-used sites. An agency spokesperson noted that the move is intended to enhance operational efficiency by consolidating spaces where possible. “Due to the rise in virtual hearings, the need for in-person locations has diminished,” the spokesperson remarked.

Despite DOGE’s claims, community advocates argue that the closures exacerbate existing challenges faced by those who depend on SSA services. Mary Ellen O’Connor, founder of O’Connor Law PLLC, expressed concerns that diminished service access would notably affect disabled individuals who rely on local offices for assistance with their claims.

As discussions continue about the future of these crucial SSA offices, residents and advocates are encouraged to utilize online resources and prepare for potential disruptions to their services.