Finding a sense of Security
at the new office

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

The Social Security office at 2373 Welsh Road is a bustling place.
Citizens generally like to make a visit. After all, the office pays out more than $82.5 million in benefits each month.
"The Social Security Administration is the most successful government program in the history of our country," said Laurie Watkins, a regional commissioner with the federal agency.
Watkins was at the office last week for an open house celebration. The office has been open since May, when it left its previous, smaller location at 7959 Bustleton Ave.
The government official described the office as "new and improved." It’s the largest field office in a region that consists of five states and the District of Columbia. It serves all of the Northeast and as far south as Fifth Street and Roosevelt Boulevard. There are about 101,000 beneficiaries, mostly senior citizens on Social Security. Others, mostly the blind and disabled, collect Supplemental Security Income.
The Bustleton Avenue office had been open since 1969. The General Services Administration sold the property in an auction, with the owner of a local gas station paying more than $1 million. The building’s future is uncertain. The site is zoned for commercial or office use.
The new building behind the Northeast Shopping Center is the former home of the General Cinema Co. movie theater, which closed in 2000 and was damaged by fire in 2004. The office employs 44 individuals, mostly claims and service representatives. It services 280 people per day in person, in addition to handling phone calls. The hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there’s plenty of free off-street parking.
The second floor of the building remains vacant. A university for working adults is among the possible tenants. A portion of the building has not been renovated. A string band is rumored to be eyeing the site for its new clubhouse.
Watkins noted that the first local Social Security office opened in 1939 at the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny avenues. The staff was a mere three people, not surprising since Social Security wasn’t created until 1935. Now, the agency is bracing for the 78 million baby boomers who are nearing retirement.
The office is maintaining its old traditions, Watkins said, pointing out that many beneficiaries like face-to-face interaction. She added that the office is a new beginning, as well, because of its telephone and online services.
The Bustleton Avenue office was basically a giant open floor. The new office has enhanced security, better computer wiring, a training room for employees and private areas for clients.
"Everybody has an individual booth, with walls between them," said district manager Robert Mannion, who heads the office.
Visitors to the office generally have questions about checks or benefits, are seeking new or replacement Social Security cards or putting in a change of address.
Anna Marie Feeney is an aide to U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz and formerly worked for Reps. Bob Borski and Joe Hoeffel. Over the years, she has directed many senior citizens to the Social Security office.
"They help so many people in the Northeast," she said.
To make an appointment or for more information on the services at the SSA office, call 215-677-7404 or 1-800-772-1213 or visit socialsecurity.gov ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com