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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Ashley H.
Is the main office closed? I have tried calling the 1-800 number a few times during the listed hours of operation to report a death but it keeps saying their offices are closed and to call back later.
A.C.
Hi, Ashley. We are sorry to hear about your loss and your experience. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing, but you may contact your local Social Security office to verify. We hope this helps.
Greg L.
Despite the statement by Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi, that “local Social Security offices will restore in-person services as of April 7, 2022”, I was just told by my local SS office in White Plains that they are not doing in-person interviews and that I had to wait 43 days for an appointment for an over-the-phone application interview. I guess they never got the memo…
Nithya
Hi, How to schedule appointment for SSA office for SSN new card.
tried calling the 1‑800‑772‑1213 but there is not option to schedule appointment.
I already filled the application form online, now trying to schedule appointment to show the proof of documents.
Thank You Very Much.
A.C.
Hi, Nithya. Thank you for visiting our blog. 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.
Martha
I submitted my application for SS retirement on 12/6/21 to receive my check in February…the status shows we will contact you if we need anything. I finally called and was told I needed to bring original documentation. WHY was I not contacted. So frustrating now trying to call to get an appointment to just show documentation and the recording says busy call back later. IF I didn’t call to find out the status how long was the person handling my claim going to wait before contacting me?
A.C.
Hi, Martha. 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.
Mirna
Para las personas que vivimos en mexico también tenemos que hacer cita para cada mes ? Porque se me vencio mi visa y hasta dentro de 2 meses tengo la cita para renovacion.
A.C.
Hi, Mirna. For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov, http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial, or http://www.twitter/segurosocial. For Social Security information in other languages, please visit us at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage. Thanks!
Ana C.
Why do we have to wait outside for an hour before entering the building. And once inside, we have to wait an additional hour before seeing a government employee. The wearing of masks is an additional irksome requirement that our Governor Gregg Abbott has lifted. “No more mask”. Why does our government want a taste of communism? It doesn’t work and never will. Other countries failed at it. Why do we want to try it out. There were only two windows opened at a time to service persons coming in to get their social security situations worked out. Not good!
Palesitina p.
I am now a U.S citizen for about 3weeks now, how do I update my status? Which reports that I’m a US citizen?
A.C.
Hi, Palesitina. Thanks for your question. You can find what documents you will need to update your citizenship status for a corrected Social Security card here. We hope this helps.
Jessica S.
Trying to see if the social security office is open in Essex Maryland need to change name have called multiple times but never get an answer
A.C.
Hi, Jessica. Thanks for using our blog. 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. To see if your office is only available by phone or only open for appointments, please visiot our Office Closings and Emergencies webpage. We hope this helps.
Lila M.
I either need an appointment in Lawton Oklahoma or Duncan Oklahoma. I personally like a walk -in……. I live in the country and they won’t let me do my application form for change of name because they say it’s not a real address.
A.C.
Hi, Lila. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Janet G.
I have been on Long Term Disability. When I turn 65 in Oct 2022 I will no longer have Other Insurance thru my employer. I currently have Medicare Part A only. Will I receive an updated card showing I have both Part A and Part B when I turn 65.
A.C.
Hi, Janet. If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and you would like to enroll in Part B under the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you can apply online at Apply for Medicare Part B Online during a Special Enrollment Period. For more information, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!