LOWVILLE — The U.S. Social Security Administration is discontinuing monthly office hours in Lowville as a cost-cutting measure.

Stacy L. Alvord, Lewis County’s social services commissioner, said she was notified last month that today is to be the final day that a Social Security representative will hold outreach hours at the county Department of Social Services office on outer Stowe Street.

“They want more people to be online or by phone in contacting Social Security, because it is the most cost-effective way to do business,” she said.

A Social Security representative has been holding office hours here on the second Wednesday of every month for at least the past decade, said Mrs. Alvord, noting the service predates her hiring.

Lewis County residents seeking more personal assistance with Social Security business still have some local options.

The Northern Regional Center for Independent Living will help people apply for Social Security benefits, file appeals and understand correspondence at its Lowville office at 7632 N. State St.Anyone interested in the service is asked to call the NRCIL office at 376-8696 to schedule an appointment.

County residents also may continue to visit the regional office at 156 Bellew Ave. S. in Watertown.

Other options for conducting Social Security business are by telephone at 800-772-1213 or by visiting the website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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