Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and U.S. Congressman George Latimer have expressed their displeasure following the rejection by Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek of a proposal to utilize county space for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) White Plains Hearing Office. This marked the second offer from the county to try and maintain a local presence for SSA services.
Explaining his frustration, Jenkins stated, “It’s clear that no matter how reasonable the offer, the Social Security Administration simply doesn’t want a hearing office here in Westchester County. This isn’t about politics or party lines — this is about our parents, grandparents, and most vulnerable friends and neighbors being left with no access to Social Security services when there is a problem.” He emphasized the challenges faced by residents who may have difficulty traveling to distant hearing offices, given Westchester’s status as the largest county in the Hudson Valley.
Latimer similarly voiced his disappointment, commenting, “I am deeply disappointed by the response I received from Acting Commissioner Dudek. I am frustrated on behalf of my elderly and disabled constituents. It is clear that this administration has no intention of helping Americans receive benefits they have earned.” He criticized the decision to close the office, which will necessitate Westchester residents to travel to New Haven, CT, or downtown Manhattan.
The closure of the existing hearing office is scheduled for May 31. Latimer argued that the use of county space could have been a cost-saving measure for the federal government while maintaining local services, accusing the Trump administration of disregarding the needs of everyday Americans.
