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Editor’s note: The previous version of this article included the photo of the NASA location which is incorrect. It is the hearing location on Dairy Rd.
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DOGE Shuts Down Melbourne Social Security Hearing Office, Raising Concerns for Brevard Residents
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MELBOURNE, FL – The federal government has announced the upcoming closure of a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Melbourne, but this isn’t the main facility serving the public. Instead, the affected location at 4740 Dairy Road is a hearing office, where administrative law judges conduct appeals for Social Security disability and other benefit disputes.
The decision to shut down this office on May 16 is part of a broader federal effort to reduce government real estate expenses, with nearly 800 leases being canceled nationwide under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. According to internal documents from the General Services Administration, nearly two-thirds of these closures will take effect this year.
While this specific location does not handle general Social Security services—such as benefit applications and card replacements—its closure could still create challenges for Brevard County residents navigating the appeals process. Individuals seeking hearings will likely have to travel to another hearing office outside the county, increasing the burden on those already facing legal and financial hardships.
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The move comes as the federal government is rolling out tighter identity-proofing requirements to combat fraud and abuse. These changes require many Social Security recipients to verify their identities in person, adding concerns that fewer available locations will lead to longer wait times and logistical barriers for those seeking hearings.
As the closure date approaches, local disability advocates and attorneys worry that access to fair and timely hearings could be disrupted, potentially delaying benefits for those who depend on them. Residents impacted by the closure should visit www.ssa.gov for information on alternative hearing locations and procedures.
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