COVID-19, General, Online Services

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

April 4, 2022 • By

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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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Comments

  1. Sudeep B.

    Do you start taking walk-ins in person appointments without an appointment in the New York City field office (Queens, Brooklyn)?

    Thanks!
    Sudeep Basak

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Sudeep. 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. 

  2. Barbara T.

    when does the social security office open back in Houston Texas for in person appt?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Barbara. Thanks for your question. 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.

  3. Karen F.

    My husband past away on xmas day and I was told I could get widow benefits is this true? And if so what do I need to do to sign up for these benefits

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Karen. We are sorry to hear about your loss. You are eligible to apply for survivor benefits when you reach age 60 (age 50 or over if disabled). However, there are other factors that may affect your entitlement to these benefits. You can find more information on our survivors benefits page. We hope this helps. 

  4. Gayle

    I have been trying to speak to someone at my local office in Alexandria, VA to get my denial letter that was never mailed out to no avail for a month.

    The letter is not in my online account.

    How would can I get a copy of the letter?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Gayle. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance.We hope this helps. 

  5. Gary N.

    I waited for 1 hour and 37 minutes to talk to a representative and then he signed me up for part B coverage when I told him I was receiving Anthem coverage till I was 66. Next thing I know I got a bill. Please call me Gary Nord 7654274906

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Gary. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue; therefore, we do not do direct calls. Generally, if you or your spouse are still working and are covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you don’t need to file for Medicare part B until you stop working or drop your health care coverage. However, you should speak to your personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan to see what’s best for you. To terminate your enrollment, we will help you submit a signed request for termination or Form CMS-1763. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires, when possible, a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wishes to terminate entitlement. Therefore, we do not offer form CMS-1763 online. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks! 

  6. M. J.

    Terrible service. Long hours waiting to speak with someone. Person who answers phone is never helpful. Wish u would let people come in again to take care of business.

    • 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.

  7. Vicki P.

    I want to walk into the Boca Raton Office tomorrow in the afternoon to obtain a Social Security Benefits letter that was mailed to me and misplaced. They are for the years 2017 and 2020 that were issued November 2016 and 2019. Please advise if this is possible.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Vicki. If you still need assistance, 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. 

  8. Luis A.

    I am retiring from work as of June 30,2022,when I filled out
    The paperwork I was told I have to go to SS office.I want to
    Make An appt because my wife can’t be on her feet too long
    Or sitting too long,how do I make an appointment.?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Luis. 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. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps. 

  9. Jon F.

    I have just been further educated in the total failure of our supposed government agencies helping the tax payers who pay their salaries. We have been trying to make an appointment and have been hung up on far to many times. We tried online to NO avail. The system is broke as are most all of the federal agencies. All they want is more money to continue their ineptitude.

    • Michele A.

      I totally agree. I have been trying to apply for SSI for almost a year now I have not been able to get through to any number and when I do I get hung up on every time this is ridiculous how am I supposed to apply for it I can’t do it online because they won’t let old people do it online old people have to go in person or on the phone so how are we supposed to apply

      • Ann C.

        Hi, Michele. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Did you know Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants can now request an appointment to file for SSI using our online tool? To learn more, check out our blog, Expanding Access to SSI: Getting Your Application Started Online. We hope this helps. 

  10. Sasha

    Good morning I have been trying to get through to you guys on the phone for three days now and u am unable . On May 03 I went to the office in West Palm Beach and I was told the system is down and they will be closing I didn’t even get to book an appointment or anything

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Sasha. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m .Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. You may find what you need by visiting our online services. We hope this helps. 

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