Since January 20th, the US government has been undergoing a significant transformation.
All government agencies and departments are being scrutinized by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by multibillionaire Elon Musk, as a result of numerous executive orders issued by the White House.
The president has tasked DOGE with modernizing the government, reducing wasteful spending, uncovering any fraud within a department or agency, and reducing the government’s workforce and footprint by consolidating offices and workforces.
DOGE is looking into leased office space for government offices. So far, this unofficial government agency has identified and seeks to cancel over 800 federal real estate leases.
DOGE appears to have targeted the Social Security Administration. The Associated Press obtained reports from the General Services Administration, which maintains leasing information on government offices, revealing that 47 Social Security Administration offices will be closed across the United States.
Why are some Social Security offices being closed?
DOGE claims that closing these offices will save millions of dollars for taxpayers. The cost savings will be achieved through staff reductions, consolidation, and reduced office space.
Which Social Security Offices Are Being Closed In Texas?
The majority of the offices closing will be in Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. (Lawyer Monthly) Offices in the following Texas cities will close:
- Nacogdoches – 1122 N University Drive – closing May 7th – saving approximately $86,000
- Victoria – 8208 NE Zac Lentz Parkway – closing May 25th – saving approximately $1,121,000
- Abilene – saving approximately $40,000
Some of the 47 offices were already in the process of closing or had already closed.
Social Security services will remain available to all users
Those seeking Social Security benefits can still apply online, make or view check payments, and update their records through their Social Security account or by going to another office.