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YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY | West/Mid-West Region

Davenport Social Security Administration
4319 N. Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa
(855) 420-8556   Mon.-Fri. 9 am – 4 PM

Rock Island Social Security Administration
2350 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois
(866) 414-9166   Mon.-Fri. 9 am – 4 PM

Correcting the Record about Social Security Office Closings

Recent reports in the media that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is permanently closing local field offices are false. Since January 1, 2025, the agency has not permanently closed or announced the permanent closure of any local field office. From time to time, SSA must temporarily close a local field office for reasons such as weather, damage, or facilities issues, and it reopens when the issues are resolved. The agency has announced the permanent closure of one hearing office, in White Plains, NY.

SSA works closely with local congressional delegations before closing any office permanently. The agency also reassigns employees from an affected office to other locations to help communities access in-person services.

“SSA is committed to providing service where people need help and our local field offices are no exception,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We have not permanently closed any local field offices this year.”

SSA identified for the General Services Administration underutilized office space to ensure the government is spending taxpayer money as prudently as possible. The agency provided GSA a list of sites for termination. Most of these are small hearing rooms with no assigned employees. Since most hearings are held virtually, SSA no longer needs these underutilized rooms.

Social Security Administration Introduces Secure Digital Access to Social Security Numbers

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking steps to provide a significant enhancement for my Social Security account holders, by introducing secure digital access to their Social Security number (SSN). This innovative feature is designed to provide the American public with a modernized, secure, and accessible alternative to the traditional physical SSN card.

SSA is committed to improving service delivery while safeguarding Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

The digital SSN feature will allow account holders to conveniently display their SSN, when needed, for reasons other than handling Social Security matters. This enhancement will provide individuals who have forgotten their SSN or misplaced their SSN cards a simple solution allowing them to securely view their SSN online through the my Social Security portal. This will reduce their need for an in-person visit and/or having to wait to receive their SSN card through the mail. They will be able to access it via my Social Security on their mobile devices. This digital feature not only streamlines the process for those who need their SSN but also reinforces our dedication to protecting sensitive information. By providing a secure digital option, SSA aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen cards and enhance the overall user experience.

“We are proud to offer this new digital solution to our account holders,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner. “This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure. We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner.”

SSA encourages all account holders to take advantage of this new feature, which will be available starting early this summer. For more information on how to create a mySocial Security account, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Together, we are working to create a more accessible and secure future for all Social Security beneficiaries.

Social Security Administration Implements New Anti-Fraud Measures to Enhance Telephone Claim Processing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity. Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience.

The enhanced technology enables SSA to identify suspicious activity in telephone claims by analyzing patterns and anomalies within a person’s account. If irregularities are detected, the individual will be asked to complete in-person identity proofing to continue processing their claim. These advancements allow SSA to maintain the security of its services while continuing to expand access for customers who may be unable to file online or visit an office in person. The agency will continue to conduct identity verification for all in-person claims.

“We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,” said Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”

The updated policy reflects SSA’s broader commitment to customer service, program integrity, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. SSA has worked around the clock to develop and deploy these improvements, driven by the return of employees to full-time in-office operations.

Surge capacity is being put in place to support higher demand starting on the 14th and last month, SSA spent $16.5 million to modernize telephone services nationwide.

Olivia and Liam Remain Most Popular Baby Names for 2024

Olivia and Liam are once again America’s most popular baby names of the year. 2024 marks the sixth consecutive year that families chose to stick with both familiar names. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for boys. The girls’ name Luna has dropped from its spot among the Top 10, replaced by Sofia which enters at number 10 for the first time.

Here are the top 10 boys’ and girls’ names for 2024:

BOYS GIRLS

1) Liam 1) Olivia

2) Noah 2) Emma

3) Oliver 3) Amelia

4) Theodore 4) Charlotte

5) James 5) Mia

6) Henry 6) Sophia

7) Mateo 7) Isabella

8) Elijah 8) Evelyn

9) Lucas 9) Ava

10) William 10) Sofia

Every year, Social Security celebrates Mother’s Day by announcing the 1,000 most popular baby names. For the full list, visitwww.ssa.gov/oact/babynames.

“As Mother’s Day nears, we remember the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “Growing up with a working mom, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and balance it takes to juggle both career and family. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers in our lives who inspire us and set an example for future generations.”

Most parents apply for their child’s Social Security number (SSN) at birth, during their hospital stay. Commissioner Bisignano encourages families to take this vital step in ensuring valuable protection for any benefits their children may be eligible for in the future.

An SSN is needed to claim a child as a dependent for income tax purposes or to open a bank account in the child’s name and buy savings bonds. More information on getting a child’s SSN and card is provided in Social Security Numbers for Children.

Additional Baby Names Information:

Social Security began compiling the baby name list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. At the time of a child’s birth, parents supply the name to the agency when applying for a child’s Social Security card, thus making Social Security America’s source for the most popular baby names.

Each year, the list also reveals the names that increased the most in popularity. Among those rising in popularity for girls, Ailany, which means “chief,” topped the list. The boys’ name Truce, which means “peace,” rose an incredible 11,118 spots from last year’s position, cracking the top 1,000 at number 991 overall.