The Franklin office of the Social Security Administration is set to close, according to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website (doge.gov).
Serving Western North Carolina, the Franklin SSA office administers several federal programs, including Social Security, Retirement, SSI, Medicare, and Disability Benefits. It is the only federal Social Security office located west of Asheville.
In a statement released on March 3, the Social Security Administration reported identifying over $800 million in cost savings for the current fiscal year. This includes terminating 60 leases, which the agency estimates will save $4 million annually.
According to DOGE, closing the Franklin office would contribute to these savings, as its annual lease costs $276,309. The estimated total savings from the closure is projected at $1,059,184.
Macon County GIS records show the 8,895-square-foot building is owned by UIRC-GSA FRANKLIN NC, LLC, with property taxes totaling $4,636.06. The tax bill is sent to UIRC (Urban Investment Research Corporation) in Lemont, Illinois. State records indicate that UIRC-GSA FRANKLIN NC, LLC, was incorporated in Delaware and has listed addresses in both Raleigh and Illinois.
Inquiries directed to the Franklin SSA office regarding the lease contract and the number of employees were referred to the SSA’s regional office in Atlanta. However, the agency’s Atlanta press office has not responded to requests for comment in recent weeks and did not provide a statement on Tuesday.
