Social Security Administration to Resume In-Person Services at Local Social Security Offices
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
I am pleased to announce that local Social Security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment, on April 7, 2022.
To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services, call us, and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment.
Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office. I thank the public for your patience as we work to increase service.
Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices. Before coming to an office, we encourage you to visit our Emergency page to check the office status. Be aware that our offices tend to be the busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month, so people may want to plan to visit at other times.
Given that many of the people we serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with our union agreements, we are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking (regardless of local guidance), physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. We will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.
Online Services and telephone remain the most convenient ways to contact the agency.
Most Social Security services are available to the public online and with a my Social Security account, or by telephone. And most Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, on our website. Many Social Security services are also conveniently available by dialing toll-free, 1‑800‑772‑1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1‑800‑325‑0778.
As we transition to a new modern phone system, some people may experience a busy signal or be unintentionally disconnected from their call. We sincerely regret this disruption and recommend people call when our National 800 Number may be less busy, such as before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. local time or later in the week. Like our offices, our waits are generally shorter later in the month.
To learn more, please visit our Online Services page.
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Tags: COVID-19, General Information, my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services
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Amy
I have been fighting with social security for over two year to keep my benefits what angers me the most is in the beginning of this unnecessary review of my mental state I have bi-polar and ptsd from being victim of domestic violence with homicidal and suicidal ideation and tendencies now to have a appeals interview over the phone and to hear that person tell me well bi polar is like a broken leg or cancer it heals and can go away so the denied my appeal so I’m now at the point where I have to see a judge in the meantime I am owed back pay because my supplemental was never reinstated and it’s been 2 years I’m the only one I. My house with income if you want to call this that I call and call and call the representatives are rude cold and could give a crap about how the talk to me I was told that ssi had 30 to 45 days to release the back pay that I have had to fight just to get some one to look at it I asked for the reinstatement in 2019 sept I believe. The worst part about the whole thing is to be told odiously by a very uneducated with no back in the mental health field that I’m fine and try to cut off the benifits mental Illness doesn’t get better it gets worse as you get older and I’m to the point of not wanting to live any other day in this hell I live in my head and then someone who knows nothing about bi polos tells me oh well your screwed all this wrong just wrong
Edward A.
Got a letter in mail that said I was working in los Angeles. It’s not me I am on disability and cannot work. I tried several times to call to make an appointment but can’t get ahold of anyone. If someone is using my information then that’s fraud on their part. Help! Please!
Ann C.
Hi, Edward. We are sorry to hear that. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, please to report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.idtheft.gov or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps.
Rochelle
On April 1st, I received in the mail my disability redetermination eligibility review (4 years after being on SSI). When I opened the package, it was dated February 22nd and it said I had until March 26th the complete the form and send it in. Will I get penalized for it arriving in the mail over a month late?
Ann C.
Hi, Rochelle. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, 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, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Amanda W.
I have been trying to change to my married name on a new SSN card but on the phone for hours to as suggested make an apt for drop off because I don’t have all the other options. I’m 2hr away. Any suggestions?
Ann C.
Hi, Amanda. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. On April 7, 2022, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. You can learn more by visiting our most recent blog post here. We hope this helps.
Heidi W.
Hi. In Feb, we adopted our 15 year old foster daughter who lost her father at age 5 and was receiving survivor benefits before being taken into DHR custody in 2020. Soon after we started fostering her, her mother also died. So now, we’ve been trying since FEBUARY to get a hold of anyone here locally but it just puts you on hold for 20 mins then says it’s trying again, just rings & rings for a good 5 mins, then hangs up on you. Every. Single. Time. Beyond frustrating. It is very important that we get her social security number updated with her new name after the adoption but also ensure she’s getting the survivor benefits she deserves. Please will someone – anyone – contact us? We can’t update her Medicaid, her medical info, insurance – nothing until we get her ss# updated. How can we do that if your offices are closed & nobody answers the phone?
Eva J.
Call the 18007721213 number and ask to speak to a representative you might be on hold but you will talk to someone.
Eva J.
Call the 18007721213 number and ask to speak to a representative you might be on hold but you will talk to someone.
Teresa T.
I am suffering because my disability was cut off because of a reason that I will not explain as of April 1st I now cannot pay my bills and am about to lose everything. I’ve done everything asked of me and was proven their is no verifiable reason this happened. I have no bank accounts and that was proven. I can’t see anyone and went to the office and made 4 calls standing in the lobby trying to get through and had my 81 yr old father with me. I just got out of the hospital in February suffering from Kidney issues I’ve had since birth and kidney stones I was picked up by ambulance I was so sick I could not stand I was passing out almost. I was kept in the emergency room the whole stay and was treated very poorly. I reported that. But soon as I got home my daughter had to drive 10 hours to stay with me and take care of me. I was sent home with a walker and bedside commode and my family was told if they couldn’t take care of me they could send me to the nursing home.! Which my family would never do. I get a letter and it states I’m losing my SSI as of April 1st. I’ve called, I’ve done what I could online and that cut me off. I’ve called every number possible and gotten nowhere. I have many health problems among Depression, Anxiety, PTSD , I lost 2 fingers from a gunshot and had a botched foot surgery 2 years ago on my dominant foot and I have a bone sticking out under my knee now and my leg goes out on me and I fall. I feel like no one cares and I’m very upset and very very depressed because I do not know what I am going to do. They do not care and will not help me when they have all the information correcting the issue. I’m just about to give up. I feel so forgotten and uncared for.! I know I am not the only one that has an issue and I pray for God to help each person having an issue and it’s corrected. I pray God opens the workers eyes and they realize how dire these situations are. I’ve cried everyday and even to them but my calls are cut short. I just pray I’m helped quickly because I cannot take much more.
Ann C.
Hi, Teresa. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call. You may also be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Darlene L.
Why do you keep telling people to call 800-772-1213 or the local offices when you are very much aware that all calls are going nowhere right now? I was on hold for over 4 hours yesterday & almost 3.5 hours today. I still haven’t talked with an agent. All I need is a replacement card with my married last name. This is something that I cannot just request online.
Ann C.
Hi, Darlene. We are sorry for your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. On April 7, 2022, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. You can learn more by visiting our most recent blog post here. We hope this helps.
Judith
The phone numbers are not working; the caller is immediately greeted with a busy signal. Hence, the advice to call for an appointment cannot be taken!
Dagid W.
I am a non bargaining unit retiree living in Fort Myers FL. I understand that you may be looking for help for 30 days. Please contact me if you are still looking.
Dave Koons
215-605-5895
Former BA, CR, TSC Supervisor, Assistant Mod Mgr, Financial Mgt Specialist, Team Leader Fin Mgt, Executive Officer to Regional Comissioner, and DPA
Ann C.
Hi, Dagid. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks, again!
Johhny J.
Such an awful decision, employee moral at an all time low, wait times will be insane. Expect covid outbreaks to be prevalent as staff leave for jobs in this competitive market that allow at hime work. The plan is childish and so are the leaders.
James J.
well that what happens when the past admin didn’t want increase personnel. if you are employee, suck it up.
Bonnie C.
oh get over your germaphobic self or check yourself into a mental hospital. The political cold was a liberal creation. The offices were closed for far too long. If you don’t want to work, retire. Otherwise get your butt back to work in the office.
Mary F.
I am receiving S S I monthly now. Do I need to do anything?
I am 86 yrs. old
Ann C.
Hi, Mary. Thanks for visiting our blog. No action is necessary unless you have a question. We respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. If you have a specific question, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.