Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important Information about Social Security Services
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast 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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Tags: COVID-19, social security, Social Security benefits
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Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Debbie J.
I want to apply for social security benefits now and talk to a real person to do it, since I have a few questions. No one at the local office, nor answering the phone. Called the online number, was put on hold for 20 minutes then hung up on. Why does this seem to be impossible?? Help!
Vonda
Hi Debbie, thanks for using our blog. We are very sorry to hear about your experience. To speak to a representative, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or 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.
h0ward f.
my wife died 1 13 21 i need tostop her benifit
Vonda
We are very sorry for your loss, Howard. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office. To verify this information was reported, 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.
Check out our Factsheet on How Social Security Can Help When a Family Member Dies.
There is a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 that can be paid to the surviving spouse. You would need to call and make an appointment to file for that benefit.
Check out our If You Are The Survivor web page for details. We hope this helps!
wayne &.
Other gov. offices are now open so its time for local SSA offices to do the same. we need to correct a first name on my SS card so i can renew my drivers license .I don,t need to deal with another smart ass on the phone telling me they receive my document [drivers license] one day after it exp. it took more than 2 wks.by us mail to get there. Indiana drivers license for 65 yrs & SS card for 63yrs natural American citizen.
Vonda
Hi Wayne, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to correct your name. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.
wanda
I need to file a appeal and have documents to send in. Can i still send them via mail will there be someone to receive them. I live in New Jersey and am not sure if offices are open.
Vonda
Hi Wanda, thanks for using our blog. 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.
Judie S.
I was married 2 years ago and am now wanting to change my name. I contacted the SS office in Mt. Laurel, NJ and was told to mail copies of my Marriage License and a copy of my Drivers License. I filled out the paperwork, sent the copies and now I have received a letter telling me that the SSA doesn’t accept copies of these documents.
Am I seriously supposed to send my Marriage License/Certificate through the mail (I don’t think so).
Is it possible for me to make an appointment to do this, I am even willing to wait at the door and hand them the documents for their viewing.
However, like everyone else on her – they don’t answer the phone.
Vonda
Hi Judie, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.
Gayle R.
I need help with MAGI. My spouse sold his business in 2019 and both of us are retired living on savings, not a pension. My MAGI has changed from the highest level to half of the lowest number. Please help. Cannot afford such high medicare payments. Thank you
Vonda
Hi Gayle, thank you for using our blog. To determine if you’ll pay higher premiums, Social Security uses the most recent federal tax return the IRS provides to us. If you must pay higher premiums, we use a sliding scale to make the adjustments, based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Your MAGI is your total adjusted gross income and tax-exempt interest income.
For details regarding an appeal, check out the factsheet: What You Can Do if You Think Your Medicare Income-Related Premium is Incorrect.
To report a Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Life-Changing Event, complete and return the form to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Beverly A.
How can I schedule an appointment at my local SSA field office?
Beverly A.
My account has errors that I need to correct pertaining to the year of my birth. Based on the information on your file, my 65th birthday is this month but it is actually next year. How can I correct the record?
Vonda
Hi Beverly, thanks for using our blog. To correct your date of birth on your Social Security record, you will need to apply for a corrected Social Security card. Visit our Learn What Documents You Need for details on the documentation requirements. Under the heading, “Type of Card,” select “Corrected” for a list of the documents needed. You will need to provide evidence of your age (for example, a U.S. public birth certificate) and current documentation for evidence of identity. For complete instructions, go to the Social Security Number and Card web page.
If you have additional questions regarding the process, 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.
Daniel L.
they said I was not qualified for stimious check
did sane think last
year to me ..pleaese I need this check in getting evicted 1 week don’t hrt my check for. 3 more weeks .i will be calling. Monday morming .thank u
Vonda
Hi Daniel, thanks for using our blog. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), not Social Security, issues the Economic Income Payments. Social Security cannot answer EIP questions about your specific situation. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more details. We hope this helps.
Mary S.
Hi, Please help – there is no one answering the phone at the Memphis, TN office on Union Avenue and they are not making in person appointments. Is there anyone we can speak with? we need help and no one is available and being told it must be handled in the Memphis office.
alberto
we call from Maryland at 18007721213 after you wait
they Han up on you i call tree times these is not acceptable
we work hard for 40 years we just have simple question
there are not on line
Vonda
Hi Alberto, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing when calling Social Security. 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.
Steve M.
Hello I am to update my address info and I can’t get through and it keeps hanging up on me. Please let me know what I can do to update my information. Thank you
Vonda
Hi Steve, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to change your address. We hope this is helpful!