Senator Rolison Sends Letter to Social Security Administration Regarding Temporary Poughkeepsie Office Closure

Today, Senator Rolison sent a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding temporarily closing the Poughkeepsie office for renovations. The Poughkeepsie SSA office, the only in Dutchess County, is set to close on January 30, 2025 for renovations, only re-opening on February 17, 2025 with a small contact station and not announcing a re-opening date. During the temporary closure, residents are directed to the Middletown SSA Office.

Read Senator Rolison's letter below: 

January 23, 2025

Dear Acting Commissioner King,

On behalf of residents of New York State Senate District 39, I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding the temporary closure of the Poughkeepsie Social Security Administration (SSA) office located at 332 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, beginning on January 30, 2025. 

This office and its dedicated staff serve as a critical resource for the residents of the Hudson Valley, providing essential services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others who require in-person assistance to navigate complex Social Security processes. The disruption caused by this closure, temporary or not, creates real, tangible challenges for those who rely on timely access to their hard-earned benefits. 

It is unacceptable to expect residents to travel to the Middletown SSA office for assistance and only offer a small contact station in Poughkeepsie beginning February 17, 2025. Forcing residents to travel almost one hour, facing mobility challenges, limited transportation or fixed incomes is a shock, lacks empathy, and disregards the SSA’s mission to care for American people in an equitable, efficient, and caring manner.

I urge the SSA to provide a detailed plan outlining how services will be maintained for Poughkeepsie residents during this closure and when residents can expect the office to re-open following renovations. This plan must include expanded virtual or remote services, increased availability and outreach to the affected residents, and alternative in-person options that do not require unreasonable travel. The well-being of so many in the Hudson Valley depends on the SSA's ability to provide uninterrupted, accessible services.

I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and to working together to ensure that all individuals continue to have access to the Social Security services they need and deserve.

Sincerely, 

Senator Rob Rolison 
New York State Senate, District 39 
3 Neptune Road, Suite 22N 
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 
845-229-0106