WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement after the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it would reverse a previous decision and continue providing benefit verification letters to Social Security beneficiaries.
“I applaud the SSA for heeding my colleagues and my calls of concern over their initial decision restricting access to benefit verification letters to internet and phone requests,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Continuing walk-in service ensures that all beneficiaries – regardless to access to or knowledge of technology – can take advantage of the services they are entitled to.”
On June 20th, Rep. Grijalva led 121 of his Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to SSA Acting Administrator Carolyn W. Colvin, urging her to reconsider the decision to end in-person access.
“Today’s announcement is more than a reversal of course – it’s an assurance that the most vulnerable among us won’t face unnecessary obstacle when accessing basic necessities,” Grijalva continued. “Moreover, it means seniors won’t pay the price for politically driven cuts to SSA’s budget. Congress must take this moment and act to ensure the SSA has every resource it needs to fulfill its obligation to our seniors.”
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