LANSING – The Social Security Administration office in Owosso reopened May 14 after a months-long closure because of building issues.
Congressman Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, had pressured the Social Security Administration to reopen the office at 1350 E. Main St. after it closed more than four months ago in part because of a pungent odor in the building.
“This is a big win for Shiawassee County and the residents who depend on the Owosso field office for access to benefit services,” Barrett said. “I’m grateful to the Social Security Administration and the General Services Administration for responding to my letter, listening to our concerns, and taking action to get this location back open. This is how the government should work for the people of mid-Michigan, and I’m glad we were able to get it done.”
Barrett sent a letter on May 5 to Social Security Administration Acting Administrator Leland Dudek asking the agency to immediately restore in-person services to the location. Barrett, in his letter, said the closure would seriously affect more than 1,400 people who rely on the office for access to “critical benefits and assistance.”
Barrett argued the office was the only Social Security location in Shiawassee County, which he pointed out has limited public transportation and unreliable broadband. He said many people in the community, including seniors and people with disabilities, were having to travel an hour or more to access basic services.
“If the current building is in such poor condition that repairs can’t be completed promptly, I urgeyou to find a new or temporary location in the area to continue serving this community.Shiawassee County deserves better than silence and delay,” Barrett said in his letter.
In his May 14 release, Barrett did not specify how the building’s issues were mitigated.
The office is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Social Security office in Owosso reopens after monthslong closure
Reporting by Al Wilson, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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