Important Information About Reaching Social Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: March 17, 2021
During the current coronavirus pandemic, we continue to provide help to you and other people in your communities. While our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, we remain ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security business. You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or our National 800 Number. You can find local office phone numbers online by using our Social Security Office Locator.
We offer many secure and convenient online services, where you can:
- Apply for Retirement, Disability, and Medicare benefits.
- Check the status of an application or appeal.
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas).
- Print a benefit verification letter and much more.
Although you can do most of your business with us online, we know that service channel isn’t right for everyone. You can still count on us by phone. If you have a critical situation and we cannot help you with by phone or online, we may be able to schedule an appointment for you.
If you need help, please don’t wait until we can see you in person. Call us now and get the help you need. We also understand that getting medical and other documentation can be difficult due to the pandemic, so we are continuing to extend certain deadlines wherever possible.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: COVID-19, online services
See CommentsAbout the Author
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
James D.
Greetings to whom this may concern of the government. I james dunn have not received the first stimulus check was looking for an up date can u help me?
V.V.
Hi James, thanks for using our blog. You can find answers to most of your EIP-related questions at the IRS’ Economic Payment Information Center webpage. We also provide information about EIPs that may be helpful to Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients on our page, Economic Impact Payments Paid by the CARES Act.
If you do not see the answer to your question, you can call the Internal Revenue Service’s EIP hotline at 1-800-919-9835. The Social Security Administration cannot answer EIP questions about your specific situation.
Charles l.
Why has’t the pentality for early Social Security withdrawers been relaxed during the Covid-19 Pandemic time period to allow them to help support there families during these tough financial times. What a shame to see the system punish the people when they are in need !
Ann B.
I need assistance setting up my social security account. I would also like to know if I can qualify for any assistance with Medicare Part B, food stamps, or senior housing assistance.
V.V.
Hi Ann, thanks for using our blog. You may want to apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $5,000 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. In addition to the Extra Help, you may be able to get help from your State with other Medicare costs under the Medicare Savings Programs. By completing the Extra Help application, you will start your application process for a Medicare Savings Program. We will send information to your State who will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program unless you tell us not to when you complete the application.
If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Prescription Drug plans or how to enroll in a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. You also can request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP). The SHIP offers help with your Medicare questions. We hope this helps.
Judith B.
Unable to contact you from the UK. Can you please help
Judith A Barton SSN – *** – ** – ***
My husband and I are receiving a pension in the UK. My husband (SSN *** – ** – ***) has received the Economic Impact Payment several weeks ago. Mine has not yet come. Does IRS have my details?
Ashley M.
Can I mail my application for a new ss card even though the office is closed?
A.C.
Hi, Ashley. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Keep in mind all submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
Iran
Mr. Korbey, I appreciate the customer service oriented tone of this communication. Based on your statement, “If you have a critical situation and we cannot help you with by phone or online, we may be able to schedule an appointment for you.” I am now calling the national customer service line to get more information on what constitutes a critical situation to be able to get an in person appointment and the person on the line is sarcastic and confrontational, asking if i’m “aware that there is something called COVID going around” and using an unprofessional tone. There really is no need for that.
A.C.
Hi, Iran. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.
Crystal D.
I am deaf my family is help nothing Money
Mary N.
It is crazy to have your offices closed at this time. Your services are very important and your offices need to be open. I can go shopping anywhere but can’t go to your office. It is time to get your employees back to work.
Your employees can wear masks and social distance just like everyone else. It is very frustrating not to be able to get things done through social security.
Jesús S.
Hi, my wife and I haven’t received the economic help on this times of pandemic, we know that all our family and friends have already received their EIP checks but us. I would like to know why? Please, give me an answer.
A.C.
Hi, Jesus. We are sorry to hear that. Please visit the Internal Revenue Service’s website here for all your Economic Income Payment-related questions. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
Albert f.
Hi my name is Albert Malone and I was just recently a victim of identity fraud and someone received a check that was due to me the real Albert Malone I can be reached 114 sarver Ave Madison TN 37115 please respond by mail
A.C.
Hi, Albert. We are sorry to hear about your situation. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, you may find our fraud website useful. If you suspect identity theft, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps!