COVID-19, General, Online Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important Information about Social Security Services

March 16, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we are still able to provide critical services.

Please read our press release to learn more, including how to get help from the Social Security Administration by phone and online. You can also visit our website to learn more and stay up to date.

Please share this message with your friends and loved ones.

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About the Author

Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. daniel j.

    This comment is to request guidance on making a name change (due to mariage) while your offices are closed during the pandemic. If we send original documents how long will it take to return such documents to us and how do you offer expedited services with regards to licenses and passports?

    • V.V.

      For your security, Daniel, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  2. Joelma M.

    I am an international student and I need to get my drivers license, but I need a letter from you for that. Is there a way to do this online or do I need to go to an office in person?

    • V.V.

      Hi Joelma, thanks for using our blog. It is unclear what type of letter it is that you need. Please call your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  3. Nita P.

    My daughters birthdate was reported in incorrectly to the SSA by her employer. Her federal tax return has been rejected and the local office has been closed since March. They advised me to put her drivers license and birth certificate in the mail, which I think is a HUGE security risk. What can she do? Another tax season is here and we’ll have to mail a paper return that sit for months and then be rejected.

  4. Seyed M.

  5. Seyed M.

  6. Loren C.

    My wife turns 70 in January and would like to change to receiving her benefits instead of taking part of mine. How does she do this with offices closed?

    • V.V.

      Hi Loren, thanks for using our blog. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and when your wife is ready, she can apply for her retirement benefits online.

      If she is unable or would rather not apply online, she can call us to make an appointment. She can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or she can call her local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  7. bhenson

    How can I report the change of address it’s been no later 2 wks.. plz email me thxs

    • S.D.

      Hi, Bobbie. Thanks for reading our blog and asking your question. Check out our Change of Address web page for details. If you’re unable to change your address online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Social Security office. You’ll find the phone number using our Office Locator. Please be aware that our call volume and wait times are longer than normal, so please be patient. We hope this information helps.

  8. Hugh U.

    I have been trying to sign up for Medicare for the last two months. I have called, emailed and written the SSI office in Salem Oregon with zero results. If it’s a law that we have sign up or get penalized then SSI should be penalized for not being available.

    • V.V.

      Hi Hugh, thank you for using our blog. Generally, individuals receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you are at least 64 years and 9 months old and aren’t receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for Medicare A and B online.

      If you already have Medicare Part A and need to sign up for Medicare Part B, there are some forms that you will need to complete and submit. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for options on how to submit those forms.

  9. Heiza

    Greetings, I need the postal address to send the documents required for the issuance of the social security card with the full name. thanks

    • V.V.

      Hi Heiza, thanks for using our blog. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain your local office mailing address. We hope this is helpful!

  10. Ronald P.

    Question about how I may make a one time payment – On Line – to SSA regarding repayment balance without changing the monthly deduction already set in place.
    And or using check / m-o by mail.

    • V.V.

      For your security, Ronald, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

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