Social Security Office Closed In Hoboken: Here's What To Do

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken's downtown Social Security office closed earlier this year for renovations, but residents have expressed concerns that it might not reopen.

The office is still on track to reopen, officials told Patch this week, although they don't have a date.

The offices, located on the sixth floor of 79 Hudson St. — around the corner from the Hoboken Train Terminal — closed in mid-January. They've been closed since then for ongoing renovations, the agency told Patch this week.

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At the time of closure, the renovations were expected to last five months, according to a memo provided by the agency. When asked this week if they're still on schedule to reopen, a spokesperson did not reply.

One Hoboken resident, Nancy Colasurdo, said that on Friday, she was running errands in Hoboken and two "seemingly confused" older women asked where the office was.

Colasurdo directed them to the building, but was unsure if it was still open based on "conflicting stories" she has heard, she said.

Patch observed ongoing work at the offices toward the end of the week when a construction worker stepped into the elevator:

Questions Raised

Residents have had trouble finding out details of the closure online, as the online Social Security Administration website simply says that the office is only providing help by phone, without giving an explanation or mentioning renovations.

An office finding tool also says the office is closed, directing users to offices in other towns.

Several Hoboken residents have posted comments on local online forums wondering if the office is closed for good and referring to recent political debate over the agency's future.

Last month, the agency announced that it will lay off 7,000 workers. On Friday, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick raised questions when he said on a podcast, "Let's say Social Security didn't send out their checks this month — my mother-in-law, who's 94, she wouldn't call and complain. A fraudster always makes the loudest noise, screaming, yelling, and complaining."

A spokeswoman for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said this week the city has received inquiries about the local office. Many Hoboken residents rely on public transportation, so they've wondered how to get help.

"The City's Office of Constituent Services has helped a few individuals schedule appointments at other field offices in Jersey City, Clifton, and Hackensack," she said. "We have not received a reopening date."

Rep. Rob Menendez, who represents Hoboken and Jersey City, said as far as he knows, the office will reopen.

"The Hoboken Social Security office is an important resource for seniors and those with disabilities in our community," he said Thursday, "and I’m glad that they will be reopening soon following their renovations."

He added that he shares constituents' concerns about how staffing cuts could impact services. "Unfortunately, the president and [Elon] Musk are firing the dedicated civil servants who keep these offices running," he said. "We believe in a different vision for those we have the privilege of representing."

How To Get Help Locally

The number for the Hoboken office, 1-877-505-4547, brings callers to a recording saying that the website is the best way to get help. It tells callers that they can stay on the line if they need help with the website.

Those who still want to make an in-person appointment can use the website to schedule a visit to the offices in Jersey City, Newark, Clifton, or Hackensack. The Jersey City office is accessible via the West Side Avenue light rail.

An agency press release advises, "Social Security office hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Social Security’s customers can now make appointments for all types of services instead of waiting in line [without an appointment], resulting in a better overall experience and reductions in wait times with predictable appointments that help prevent long in-office lines. Customers can still wait in line if they cannot or do not want to make an appointment."

The main number is 800-772-1213, which has a call-back feature. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. The website iswww.ssa.gov.

Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement benefits, disability, or Medicare.

Get the address for other local offices here.