COVID-19, General, Online Services

Social Security Administration to Resume In-Person Services at Local Social Security Offices

April 4, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Social Security Administration LogoI 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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About the Author

Kilolo Kijakazi, Ph.D., M.S.W. Principal Senior Advisor to the Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Stela J.

    I want to know why I just cant call my local SSA office????? Why is there a toll free number? I just want to make an appointment! It is now 3 months I’ve been trying!

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Stela. Thank you for visiting our blog. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Our move to a more modern telephone system has affected our ability to help you when calling our offices.  Thank you for your patience as we continue to upgrade our telephone system. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.

  2. Ara

    I am trying to find out if my stepson has social security benefits but I could not understand the lady at the SS desk. For an interview she was unable to give an earlier appointment. She advised me to call the following day for an appointment and I was surprised she answered the phone when I called. Another round of totally incomprehensible discussion followed. I dialed the number again expecting a more understandable discussion but this other lady was worse, more rude, gave me a lecture that one does not ask for benefits, has to work for it, that appointments are not flexible that she could not give an earlier appointment date, that just like doctors if appointments cannot be done they cannot be flexible to change. I was flabbergasted by the kind of people being hired to answer simple questions form the public. I usually don’t identify myself to strangers as a physician but this time had to tell her I’m in fact a physician who gave service for 50 years and was always flexible with appointment dates to serve the patients’ best interest. She said she has never come across a physician like that. The coup the grace was she told me I have an accent myself. What kind of people are these?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Ara. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.

  3. John G.

    Have been trying to call for a few weeks now, at least 7 times and wait on hold for 40-45 each time. I just want to change withholding. Have filled out W-4V and don’t know where to send. Tried dropping off in Santa Ana Ca. Office but was told to make appointment. I would if I could !

    • Ann C.

      Hi, John. We are sorry to hear about your experience. In order to have taxes withheld or to stop or change the amount of your withholding from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. Please see our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. Also, keep in mind, most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.

  4. Jacob T.

    Lost my social security card and can’t get through on the phone.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Jacob. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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. We hope this helps. 

  5. Chad c.

    I can’t believe you make a baby and dad sit 4 seats away from the mom. The guard says he just following the rules. It’s like we are in Nazi Germany. They drove in the same car. Your mask mandate is ridiculous. If people want safety they should wear their own mask. America is about freedom not safety. Very sad to see that the social security administration is on the same page as the woke left extremists.

  6. Shirley b.

    Trying to talk to a human .. got hung up on after 20 minutes the first time .. now it’s been an hr ..

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Shirley. Thanks for visiting our blog. We apologize for the inconvenience. Our move to a more modern telephone system has affected our ability to help you when calling our offices.  Thank you for your patience as we continue to upgrade our telephone system. For other ways to contact us, please visit our How to Get Help from Social Security page. We hope this helps. 

    • Fay

      Same thing. It’s like they are using dial up internet because I kept getting hung up on. It’s not their systems it’s definitely these employees doing it. 20 people aren’t having system errors

  7. R F.

    It is a disgrace to be waiting online wrapped around the block in 90 degree weather because of social distancing crap. Heartbreaking to see many elderly people and handicapped and Ill people standing in line just to get inside . It’s is July and Covid is basically obsolete at this time . Why is this still happening ? You can’t even get the correct information online for MANY situations. I’ve called several times. This needs to end . People need to speak up at least get these people an awning to protect from the elements if you are going to make us stand outside . We are being treated like animals. Actually I’m pretty sure animals have more rights .

    • Ann C.

      Hi. 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.

      • Ronald W.

        Please call me regarding my medicare situation…I have travel limitations and need help Ronald white

        • Ann C.

          Hi, Ronald. Thank you for visiting our blog. 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.

    • Sasha R.

      Actually, that’s pretty common for this office. You have to take into consideration where you are. This is not a country club, not Disneyland. It’s a line, and yes, we, including I, might be in the sun for a few minutes. We’re at Social Security attempting to get certain benefits. I’m thankful we have such a system.

  8. Ian

    You encourage people to call the main social security number to make an appointment and yet the system keeps them on hold for an unconscionable amount of time.
    I have been trying to get an in person appointment for months and have been unsuccessful. I would love to use the online services to get a lost social security card replaced but I cannot do so as Social security claims that they cannot confirm my citizenship which I find shocking. Very frustrating all around. Get it together please! This is not that hard. Appointments should be managed online and then that would free up the customer reps for real issues.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Ian. We are sorry to hear about your frustration. Keep in mind most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. For more information about how to apply for a new Social Security card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps.

      • Darcy M.

        Lol, funny this response was posted today. An agent from the call center just told me I can’t request an appointment. Walk in only… after being hung up on the first time I tried to call.

  9. June P.

    Hello I’m trying to see if I can go into the office today….I had paid for a social security card but the email it sent me is saying they need a copy of my driver’s license I was wondering if I can just go in the office and do all that over there since I already paid for a replacement card

    • Ann C.

      Hi, June. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. Keep in mind there is no cost for a replacment Social Security card. We hope this helps.

  10. Parise B.

    Can they do what they say they will do…. for my child Taner Walker… his father died who was my husband 1/6/22 and still not getting SSI for my child who is 5 yrs old…. I did all things correctly and your employees have deeply failed us ….. I had an appt 6/24 2:15p for NY and they had it for NC; i did received in the mail the wrong child and wrong location which i called and corrected and they still messed everything up… now we have to wait till August his dad passed in 1/6/2022…. this is so wrong on so many levels ….. can i get someone to contact me for my childs benefits that are rightly his…… why do the people who are hurting and grieving this way… and then still make them do the process all over again

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