Albany Social Security Office Early Closures

Effective November 19, 2012, the Albany Social Security office will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday.  In addition, beginning January 2, 2013, the office will close to the public at noon every Wednesday.

While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face interviews and process claims work without incurring the cost of overtime.  The significantly reduced funding provided by Congress under the continuing resolution for the first six months of the fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide the overtime needed to handle service to the public as it has done in the past.  

In addition, on November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, all Social Security field offices will be closed to the public.  As we did last year, employees working that day will focus on reducing backlogged workloads.
Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a local office. 

Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or informing us of a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.  Many of our online services also are available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov.

SHIBA Volunteer Receives 2012 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Award

Karen Burrell, one of our extraordinary SHIBA volunteers, has been awarded an Oregon Governor's Volunteer Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer. Karen is always learning and teaching public workshops that attracts hundreds of people each year, in addition to her individual Medicare counseling. She also volunteers with PEO and her church.

The 2012 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Awards on Friday, November 9 will honor 14 individuals and 12 organizations from throughout the state for their commitment to serving Oregon and its people.

“Oregon is made richer by the contributions of our talented and compassionate citizens,” said Gov. John Kitzhaber. “These award winners represent the best of the state—people who give their time, energy, and resources to lifting up others and making Oregon a better place to live.”

The annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards honor ordinary Oregonians who do extraordinary things and also inspire and motivate future volunteerism. Nominations were received from all over the state and were carefully evaluated by appointed review committees. Winners will receive cash grants from Wells Fargo to give to their favorite nonprofit group.

You can read more about Karen's awesome achievement here.

Congratulations Karen, and thank you for everything that you do!

Siletz Tribe Supports CSC Youth Crews

A generous grant of more than $4,500 from the Siletz Tribal Contribution Fund has enabled 36 Lincoln County youth to participate in vital natural resources restoration projects. The Lincoln County Natural Resource Crew program, run by Community Services Consortium, used the funds to buy supplies for projects that also provided 9,952 combined hours of job training and educational support to participants.

Program participants executed a number of vital environmental projects, including planting in damaged riparian zones throughout Lincoln County, seed gathering, supporting Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on projects aiding threatened species, creating community garden spaces and trail building and maintenance.
 
Many thanks to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians for providing such a huge benefit to both the youth and environment of Lincoln County!  

You can read more in this article by the Newport News Times.