Officials worry about Social Security site closure

NORWALK, Conn. (AP/WTNH) - Connecticut's two U.S. senators and a congressman are pushing the Social Security Administration to reconsider its plan to close a branch in Fairfield County this week.

Congressman Jim Himes and Senators Joseph Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal say they are seeking more answers from the administration, which plans to close the Norwalk office after Tuesday.

A page on the Social Security Administration's page for the Norwalk office says "EFFECTIVE 2/1/12 THE NORWALK OFFICE IS CLOSED TO WALK IN TRAFFIC- TELEPHONE SERVICE ONLY."

The federal agency says its lease is expiring, and that it's the slowest office in the region. It also says millions could be saved over the next 10 years, and that the agency needs to streamline its spending.

The Connecticut lawmakers say the Norwalk office serves more than 300 people each week and operates in a service area that includes about 137,000 elderly and disabled people.

The closest SSA offices are in Bridgeport and Stamford.