Pike County has what appears to be a well-kept secret in the basement of the Courthouse. The Social Security Administration opened a contact station to provide a number of services to residents. But, it is in jeopardy of shutting down because very few people have put it to use.

“A lot of people don’t realize that there’s a station in Troy,” said Kylle’ McKinney, a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration. “It’s the only contact station in Alabama.”

The contact station is open two days a week, Mondays and Thursdays. Business is conducted through a video service delivery system where individuals can come in and talk with a live SSA representative via video.

“A lot of services could be done there as opposed to driving 50 miles to Montgomery or Dothan,” said McKinney.

Residents can also save a trip by creating a “My Social Security” account at ssa.gov/myaccount. The website is available for obtaining a statement, which contains estimates of retirement, disability and survivors benefits.

The site also provides benefit verification letters, earning records and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes paid.

Some services still require a visit to Montgomery, but for services like replacing an adult’s social security card or scheduling an appointment, a quick trip to the courthouse is all it takes.

The VSD also handles explanations of Social Security letters, adult representative payee applications processed and general questions. “It’s not everything, but it’s getting close,” McKinney said.

The contact station is located in the Pike County Courthouse, 120 West Church Street, and is opened on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Business can also be conducted by calling the agency’s toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 or by creating a My Social Security account on Social Security’s website www.socialsecurity.gov.