July 16, 2014

Sen. Warren & Rep. Keating Announce Restoration of Social Security Services on Nantucket

WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Bill Keating today announced that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will begin offering Social Security services on Nantucket via the use of video teleconferencing technology on July 23rd. Regular monthly visits to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard by SSA representatives ended in early 2011.

Senator Warren and Congressman Keating had urged SSA to restore the critical services for residents on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard in a December letter. Senator Warren also asked SSA Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin to resume services during a meeting earlier this year. An SSA video teleconferencing terminal opened on Martha's Vineyard in April.

"This new video teleconferencing service will help ensure Nantucket's seniors can get the critical Social Security benefits they depend on," said Senator Warren. "Congressman Keating, Senator Wolf, Representative Madden and I have been committed to restoring Social Security services on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the SSA's decision to offer this resource is an important step to give Islanders better access to essential federal services."

"I am very pleased that the residents of Nantucket are going to receive the social security services they deserve," said Congressman William Keating. "My colleagues and I have been consistently working at every level to ensure that the needs of our Islanders are met, as it is entirely unacceptable to expect residents to commute off the Island for basic services. Now, residents of Nantucket, as well as residents of Martha's Vineyard, will be able to engage and have an open dialogue with officials, and I commend the Social Security Administration for instituting this important resource."

The video teleconferencing services will be installed at a terminal at the Saltmarsh Senior Center at 81 Washington Street and will open on July 23. Services via the terminal will be available the fourth Wednesday of each month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. This service will allow island residents to speak directly with SSA representatives to conduct official Social Security business.


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