Maintain Access to Vital Social Security Services Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7228

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Social Welfare

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-22: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Last Updated

2026-02-12T15:14:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Maintain Access to Vital Social Security Services Act of 2026" aims to ensure that the Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains adequate field offices and staff to provide accessible services to the public. It establishes stricter procedures for closing or reducing access to these offices, promotes public involvement, and protects vulnerable populations from service disruptions.

Key Provisions

• Field Office Requirements (New Section 714 of Title VII of the Social Security Act):
• The SSA Commissioner must operate enough field offices and assign sufficient personnel to deliver comprehensive, convenient services, handle workloads (including future projections), and keep offices open during posted hours while minimizing wait times—even for walk-ins without appointments.
• A minimum staffing level is mandated: Personnel at field offices cannot drop below the levels assigned as of January 1, 2025.

• Procedures for Closing or Reducing Access:
• Covers actions like permanent closures, ending leases, consolidations, or any new limits on public access or in-person services.
• Requires 180 days' advance public notification, including details on the office, reasons (e.g., rejecting alternatives like relocation), hearing dates, alternative service options, and contact info. Notifications must be posted, mailed, published in local newspapers, or otherwise disseminated.
• Congressional and local government notifications are required within the same timeframe, with opportunities for local governments to suggest alternatives.
• At least two public hearings must occur 30–120 days after notification, where the SSA explains reasons, mitigation plans (especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled, or those with language/mobility issues), and accepts public comments. Written comments are also accepted and posted online.
• A public report must be published 15 days before the action takes effect, addressing comments and local proposals. Copies go to Congress and key committees.
• No action can proceed without approval from the SSA's Inspector General (IG), who verifies compliance with laws and reviews any health/safety claims.
• Exception: Procedures do not apply during public health emergencies declared under federal law.

• Moratorium on Actions:
• SSA cannot close or reduce access to field offices for 30 days after the IG confirms full implementation of these new rules. Health/safety-related actions can proceed temporarily (up to 30 days) with public notice for extensions.

• Amendments to Social Security Advisory Board:
• Expands the board's review of SSA operations to explicitly consider how field office closures affect service quality for vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities or language barriers.

• Report to Congress:
• Within 180 days of enactment, the SSA Commissioner must submit a report detailing:
• All field office closures in the prior 5 years, reasons, and impacts on nearby offices (e.g., wait times, staffing).
• The General Services Administration's (GSA) role in closures, including alternatives explored, public input sought, and recommendations for improving relocation processes.
• A 10-year plan to maintain or improve constituent services, accounting for projected usage.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces mandatory minimum staffing levels and detailed procedural safeguards (e.g., advance notice, hearings, IG approval) for field office changes, which were not previously required under Title VII of the Social Security Act.
• Imposes a temporary moratorium on closures until new rules are implemented, providing immediate protection against abrupt actions.
• Enhances oversight by requiring consideration of vulnerable populations in advisory board reviews and mandating a comprehensive congressional report on past and future office management—expanding beyond current reporting obligations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The SSA will face increased administrative requirements, potentially raising costs and timelines for office decisions, but it ensures more transparent operations. The IG and GSA may see expanded roles in reviews and relocations. Congress gains better tools for oversight through reports and notifications.
• On Citizens: Improves access to in-person Social Security services (e.g., benefits applications, disability claims) by preventing sudden closures and prioritizing vulnerable groups, reducing disruptions like longer travel or waits. However, it could delay necessary consolidations if offices are underused.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic SSA operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Social Security Administration (SSA) and Commissioner: Directly responsible for compliance, staffing, and procedures.
• Public Users of Services: Especially elderly individuals, people with disabilities, low-income beneficiaries, and those in rural or underserved areas who rely on field offices.
• Local Governments and Communities: Involved in notifications and proposing alternatives; affected by service changes in their areas.
• Congress and Oversight Bodies: Key committees (e.g., Ways and Means, Finance) receive reports and notifications; the SSA Advisory Board and IG provide reviews.
• General Services Administration (GSA): Plays a role in lease and relocation decisions, with increased scrutiny.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens procedural due process (fair notice and input opportunities) for agency actions affecting public services, aligning with administrative law principles under the Administrative Procedure Act. The IG approval adds an independent check against arbitrary decisions.
• Constitutional: Supports equal protection by mandating considerations for vulnerable populations, potentially reducing disparities in access to federal benefits without raising direct constitutional challenges.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan concerns over SSA service accessibility amid budget pressures; could influence future funding debates by emphasizing impacts on constituents. The moratorium provides short-term stability, but ongoing implementation may spark discussions on agency efficiency versus public needs.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-22: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
• 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
• 2026-01-22: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Maintain Access to Vital Social Security Services Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (11 pages)