SSA Cutting Hours

The Social Security Administration is responding to budget pressures by cutting back branch office hours. Starting Nov. 19, SSA offices around the country will close 30 minutes earlier. Starting in 2013, they'll close at noon every Wednesday. A spokeswoman said SSA is receiving less funding under the continuing resolution than it requested. She said the earlier closing would give employees time to complete late interviews without dipping into overtime. The American Federation of Government Employees told Federal Times it would appeal Social Security's position to Congress. AFGE represents 28,000 Social Security workers.