Rep. Nydia Velasquez heads rally to support Social Security
Frustrated residents took to the podium to share how they were left waiting for hours on hold, eventually going in-person with no appointment to get answers on their payments.
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Rep. Nydia Velasquez was joined by Social Security recipients outside of the Social Security Administration office in Bushwick, calling for no cuts to benefits or staffing at the agency she claims provides $117 million worth of payments monthly in her district.
To date no cuts to Social Security benefits have been announced at the federal level, although a hiring freeze is in effect.
The agency has also ended walk-in appointments, with appointments now requiring a phone call.
Frustrated residents took to the podium to share how they were left waiting for hours on hold, eventually going in-person with no appointment to get answers on their payments.
Residents like Evelyn Castillo, who uses a wheelchair, say the extra step is a challenge that she believes will prevent people from getting their payments.
"I couldn't make an appointment because no one picks up the phone or if they do, I'm on hold they hang up, until I got mad and said let me go in person, I said I'm not leaving until someone helps me," she said.
Caseworkers from Urban Justice Center tell News 12 that while initially denied benefits is not unusual, appealing denials is taking longer with less staff.
"There has not been an increase in denials, it is taking a longer time to actually get denials and start the process to reverse them," said attorney Shandanette Chase.
But others News 12 spoke with at the Social Security center raised no issues with payments and expressed support for the agency making changes to be more accountable.
"Everything went smooth I got my papers right away I went for my award letter, I don't think [people] should scam the system," said recipient Sylvia Rosario.
