Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act

This bill aims to keep local Social Security offices and hearing sites open. It temporarily stops any closures, mergers, or new limits on public access, except for temporary emergency shutdowns. The pause lasts until at least January 21, 2029, and ends 180 days after the Social Security Administration sends Congress a report explaining how it would pick any locations to close or limit in the future .

After the pause ends, the agency must follow strict steps before any closure or cut in access: give the public at least 120 days’ notice; explain how services will be replaced within 30 days of the change; hold at least two public hearings; and send a final detailed report to Congress 30 days before the action. People can ask for a hearing to challenge a proposed change if they believe it is unfair or not backed by solid evidence. Also, the total number of offices and stations cannot drop below how many were open on January 20, 2025 .

• Who is affected: People who use Social Security offices, especially older adults and people with disabilities, since travel and communication burdens must be considered.
• What changes: No closures or new limits during the pause; later, any changes require early public notice, public hearings, a replacement service plan, a final report, and must not reduce the overall number of locations below the January 20, 2025 level; temporary emergency closures are still allowed .
• When: The pause lasts until at least January 21, 2029, and ends 180 days after the required report is submitted to Congress.