The Norwalk Social Security office, as some of our readers may be aware, is set to close down at the end of this month and be consolidated with the Danbury, Stamford and Bridgeport offices. In addition, a new office will be opened at Bridgeport to accommodate both Bridgeport and Norwalk staff.

The closing was confirmed on Thursday at a public hearing held in Norwalk. At the meeting, residents had an opportunity to comment and express their views on the closure. Senators Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal, and Rep. Jim Himes, all protested the closure when they were informed of it on January 6.

According to the Social Security Administration's regional communications director, the Norwalk office was selected due to its operating costs, because its lease was expiring in November 2011 and because it services fewer people on average than other offices. its administration is still looking into the possibility of having a representative in Norwalk monthly. This would allow individuals with questions or other needs to meet face to face.

Shutting down the office is expected to save Norwalk taxpayers $1.2 million in the first five years and another $2.4 million over the next 10 years.

Senator Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said at the hearing that the effort to save the Norwalk office would be an uphill battle, but one that needs to be fought. According to Senator Blumenthal, the office needs to remain open in order to make access for the elderly and the disabled as easy as possible.

Source: Norwalk Patch, "Norwalk Seniors, Reps Fight For Social Security Office," Paul Devlin, January 20, 2012.