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Cuts Forcing Social Security To Close Offices Early

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Social Security offices in Chicago and the suburbs will close 30 minutes earlier every day starting Aug. 15 to cut costs.

The new hours are a result of a $1 billion cut in the national Social Security budget. Other changes include no longer mailing paper statements and closing 300 remote service sites across the country.

The 20 Chicago-area offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. They're now open until 4 p.m.

Many Social Security services are now available online, but people still need to apply in person for Supplemental Security Income, a new Social Security card or a replacement Social Security number, said Doug Nguyen, a spokesman for the Social Security Administration.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Felicia Middlebrooks Reports

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(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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