WASHINGTON — In the midst of reports that four Social Security offices in Alabama are being closed, including two in North Alabama, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said the offices “will remain open and continue to serve the public as they have before.”

The offices in Anniston, Cullman, Gadsden, and Jasper were set to be closed, according to the Department of Government Efficiency website.

In an email to 256 Today, Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said the offices are still open.

“Recent reports regarding the closure of Social Security offices in Alabama do not tell the full story,” he said. “While there are changes being made, I want to assure the people of these communities that these offices will remain open and continue to serve the public as they have before.”

Aderholt said the “changes” involve lease agreements for spaces within the buildings where hearings are held.

“The adjustments being made involve the cancellation of lease agreements covering hearing spaces, not the areas used for day-to-day operations,” he said. “These changes will not affect the ability of residents to access Social Security services at these locations.

“It’s also important to recognize that the activities of the Department of Government Efficiency are necessary to ensure responsible management of federal resources.”

However, Aderholt said Social Security services are not the target of DOGE.

“… they are not focused on curtailing vital services like Social Security, which the public has already paid into throughout their years of hard work,” he said. “My office has been in close contact with the Social Security Administration to ensure that essential services remain available to the people of Alabama.

“I will continue working to protect these critical programs and to ensure that our communities receive the services they need and deserve.”