City of Rome offering video services concerning Social Security

Officials fought earlier this year to keep the Social Security office open in the City of Rome.

The office has closed, but the city is still offering services in a different way.

As many agencies are cutting back due to budget constraints the Social Security Administration is offering a unique video service for the City of Rome. If residents want to speak to a representative from the office they can do so through a web cam.

"This type of reduction in services or change in the way we provide services. We, meaning government agencies. It's the way of the world and we have to learn how to adapt," says Mayor Joseph Fusco.

Earlier this year, area officials fought to keep the Social Security office open in the City of Rome.

The Social Security Administration monitored visits, but not enough residents came out to keep the office open.

But, to keep providing services officials have installed video equipment for residents to speak to a representative from the Utica office.

Mayor Fusco says Rome is one of the very few places to have such a service.

"Eventually as time goes on and more people understand that they can do much more at home or online. We should see a diminish in traffic. And that is what's happened," says Mayor Fusco.

But, if a resident wants to speak to a representative in person, they could go to the Social Security office in Utica or use the video services in Rome.

To speak to a representative, people have to make an appointment at City Hall or by calling the Social Security's toll free hotline at 1-877-405-6750.

The office will be open every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon.

Source: http://cnyhomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=160602

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