Editor:

I recently needed to know if my wife’s 15 years with the Bryan County School system qualified for benefits from the “Fairness Act”.

The only number listed was for Social Security headquarters. Attempts started Monday morning and lasted most of the day. I finally got an automated answer in the afternoon, but it told me wait time would be over two hours and I should call back later in the week.

On Tuesday morning I drove to the Social Security office in Statesboro. Large signs at the entrance said “By appointment only”, but at least they listed the direct number to this facility. Sat in my car for over a half hour trying to make an appointment, but never made contact. Only saw two people enter the building. I entered the lobby to see what was going on and most of the lights were off. Saw a security guard at a desk and lights on at one cubicle. This office used to have 4-5 agents at all times and all were busy.

Once home, I started calling the Statesboro office again and finally got through to the agent. I explained what information I was looking for and after looking up the records she told me the benefits were not transferable. This took less than 10 minutes. In total, I spent over a day and a half to get that answer. Without the Statesboro office, I have no idea how long this would have taken, and feel sorry for seniors in smaller counties with no Social Security facility nearby.

Ken Copi, Pembroke, Georgia

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