After months of tirelessly working with the Social Security Administration (SSA), elected officials, and our partners in advocacy like Social Security Works, AFGE Council 220 and Local 2608 are thrilled to report that the SSA field office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has now been reopened.
The field office was officially reopened in mid-October, restoring vital in-person services to the San Juan community. It had been closed for more than a year due to eviction from the leaser.
The reopening of the office was marked by a visit from SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley.
“The reopening of this temporary office marks a crucial step in reconnecting with the residents of San Juan. For many, this was a momentous occasion, as it marked the first visit by an SSA commissioner to the island in recent memory,” said Council 220 President Jessica LaPointe, adding they’re looking for a permanent office.
LaPointe, Local 2608 President Abrahan Santiago, and AFGE HISCO Legislative Chair Delia Trevino were at the newly reopened office to welcome reunited employees. They toured the new space alongside O’Malley, New York Deputy Regional Commissioner Joseph Cafaro, and other agency officials.
The atmosphere was filled with joy as employees expressed their gratitude to both the commissioner and the union for the return of their office.
“They shared how important it was to feel like a family again, ready to collaborate with the union and the agency to improve working conditions and service delivery. It was heartwarming to see them reintegrated and eager to serve the San Juan community,” LaPointe added.
To announce the reopening to the public, AFGE, the commissioner, elected officials, and Social Security Works held a press briefing in front of the new location. Prior to the eviction, about 180 residents visited the office daily. With continued outreach and media coverage, the council is optimistic that more residents will return for the essential services they need.
Working and Aging in Puerto Rico
That same day, the group also held a forum titled “Aging in Puerto Rico and the Role of Social Security,” where they discussed the critical need for equity, dignity, and federal job growth on the island.
Over the last decade, nearly 500,000 Puerto Ricans—approximately 15% of the population—have left in search of better federal services, healthcare, and employment opportunities. When basic anti-poverty benefits are not accessible, families are faced with the heartbreaking decision to leave their homes.
During the forum, an SSA employee publicly thanked Commissioner O'Malley for the positive changes he has championed. She praised his efforts to boost workplace morale and connect with staff, which has built trust in both leadership and the agency.
“The collaborative efforts of the union, the agency under Commissioner O'Malley’s guidance, and the advocacy of local leaders have created a foundation for ongoing progress,” LaPointe explained. “Together, we are committed to pursuing policies that ensure equity in services and job growth on the island.”
In addition to the office reopening, the commissioner and union representatives visited the Tele-Service Center in San Juan, where they engaged with a new hire training class. The center is renowned for its exceptional bilingual customer service, ranking among the best in the nation.
The council is advocating for budgetary considerations to establish a second fully bilingual Tele-Service Center on the island, which would enhance service delivery and provide stable, well-paying federal jobs to Puerto Rican communities.
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