The Social Security Administration says its field offices will continue issuing statements that recipients can use to verify their benefits.

People sometimes need the information quickly to verify their income when applying for a loan or other government benefits, such as housing assistance.

The field offices were scheduled to stop issuing the statements in October as part of Social Security's efforts to provide more services online. But Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin said Thursday the agency recognizes that some people require help in person.

A recent congressional report said 5 million people a year visit Social Security offices to obtain the statements.

The report said Social Security has closed 64 field offices since 2010. The agency still operates 1,245 offices.