Congressman Lawler, SSA Commissioner Bisignano Announce Return Of In-person Hearings To Hudson Valley

By Rockland Daily Staff

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano announced that the West Nyack Social Security Office will begin offering in-person hearings for Hudson Valley residents, restoring a critical service that had been lost with the closure of the White Plains Hearing Office earlier this year.

The announcement marks the culmination of months of advocacy by Congressman Lawler, who led the effort to preserve local access to Social Security hearings after the Biden Administration announced the closure of the White Plains facility, the only hearing office serving the Hudson Valley.

“From the moment the Biden Administration announced the closure of the White Plains hearing office, I pledged to work tirelessly to find a solution for Hudson Valley residents,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “I am proud of my work with Commissioner Bisignano and the Trump Administration to find a solution that keeps these essential services in the Hudson Valley and also saves taxpayer dollars. Social Security has been a cornerstone of American life for 90 years, helping millions retire with dignity and ensuring that those facing hardship get the support they deserve. I’ll always fight to protect and strengthen Social Security, making sure it works efficiently, accessibly, and fairly for the people who depend on it.”

The new hearing capability in West Nyack will allow residents to attend hearings locally instead of traveling to New York City or Albany, while making use of the existing office infrastructure to reduce costs.

“SSA continues to provide Americans with the support they need and the customer service they deserve, and the new hearings space reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “By establishing a new hearing office in the Hudson Valley, we are making it easier for people to access and receive the services they rely on. I want to thank Congressman Lawler for his strong support of Social Security's mission and his advocacy for the people of the region. I also want to thank all our employees at the agency who continue to deliver for the American people through the current government shutdown.”

Today’s announcement builds on Congressman Lawler’s continued efforts to strengthen Social Security services in the Hudson Valley. In August, he celebrated the reopening of the renovated West Nyack Social Security Office to maintain local access to hearings after the White Plains closure.