Missoula, MT – Recent reports about potential closures of the Social Security Administration (SSA) offices in Missoula and Kalispell have sparked concern among local residents, but Congressman Ryan Zinke’s office has provided clarification, assuring constituents that services will remain intact.
Earlier this month, posts on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website suggested that the offices might be closing, raising questions about the future of Social Security services in the area. However, in a statement sent to MTN News on Wednesday, Zinke’s office emphasized that the situation is not as dire as some media outlets have reported.
According to the congressman’s office, discussions with officials from the SSA revealed that the offices in both Missoula and Kalispell have substantial unused space, including empty conference rooms and hearing rooms. The SSA has indicated that these underutilized areas are primarily the result of a shift toward virtual services, which many Social Security recipients are now opting for instead of in-person visits.
As a result, the SSA is renegotiating its lease agreements to downsize or relocate to more appropriately sized spaces. “The reality of the situation is not the sky-is-falling doom that many in the media are projecting,” said a statement from Zinke’s office. “The two SSA offices reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) that they have significant square footage that is not being utilized.”
Zinke’s office further clarified that, while the lease renegotiations are underway, all Social Security services will continue without interruption. The only potential change, according to the congressman, would be a shift in the physical address of the offices. “Making sure taxpayers are not paying for empty space and ensuring that those dollars are directed to benefits is more than prudent,” the statement continued.
This reassures local residents who had been worried about the potential loss of essential services in the region. Congressman Zinke’s office has been actively involved in addressing the concerns of constituents, and they have confirmed that all services provided by the SSA will remain accessible, despite any adjustments in office space.
In the coming weeks, additional updates are expected as the SSA finalizes its plans for restructuring the Missoula and Kalispell locations. For now, residents can expect the same level of service, with only minor changes to the physical office spaces.
