Decorah Social Security Office survives another closing threat

Eastern Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley is praising the Social Security Administration for reversing a decision that Braley said could have led to the closing of the Decorah Social Security Office and other field offices in Iowa.

The Social Security Administration had proposed no longer issuing benefit verification letters.  Each year tens of thousands of Iowans ask for such letters.  But Social Security officials had proposed that starting in October the field offices would provide benefit verification letters only in emergency situations.

Braley and almost 30 other congressmen opposed the change.  He said, "Until the administration shows me how this cut will save taxpayers money and how they'll prevent harm to Iowans who depend on this service, I'm going to continue to oppose it."

The Social Security Administration has now announced it is delaying this change indefinitely.

Social Security Administration field offices are located in Decorah and in 18 other communities across the state.