COVID-19, General

The Latest on Our Reentry Plans

March 14, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

Social Security Administration LogoI’m excited that, starting in early April, we will add more in-person appointments and offer in-person service for people without an appointment.

During the pandemic, millions of people used our secure and convenient online services, and received help by phone and in our offices by appointment. For people who can access our services online or by phone, we ask that they continue to do business with us online or by phone and schedule an appointment, when possible, which will better allow us to timely serve people who cannot use those options.

I invite you to visit our website to learn:

  • The best ways to get help from Social Security.
  • What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so we can help you safely.
  • Innovative options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision.

We are committed to helping as many people as possible as safely as possible.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Becca S.

    I am an attorney and I am shocked at how difficult it is to reach the local offices by phone now. Most of the time when I call, I get a busy signal, the call drops, or a message says that the call cannot be completed — sometimes this happens after waiting on hold for 20-30 minutes. Sometimes it takes me all day just to get a rep on the phone. If it is this hard for me, it will be impossible for most claimants.

  2. WPpride

    Good to hear that. Really Appreciate Thank you

  3. Jessica

    Your phone lines have been completely down for days. It is impossible to actually speak with anyone. WHEN WILL THIS BE FIXED? This is outrageous.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Jessica. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We are currently having problems with our phone lines. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls, and long wait times. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. In early April, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. We have not set an exact date in April. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. 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. We hope this helps. 

       

  4. William j.

    When I reach my 62nd birthday can I collect social security or do I have to wait longer And if it is longer what is that date January 21st is my birthday

    • Sara

      You can collect if you want early retirement. Your yearly benefit estimate statement shows your early retirement amount and full retirement age amount. Good luck!

    • Ann C.

      Hi, William. Thanks for your question. You must be 62 for a full month to start receiving benefits. Benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits start in February, you will receive your first benefit payment in March. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefit payment calendar useful. We hope this helps. 

  5. mick

    Can you PLEASE change your policy to allow SS recipients with overseas addresses to set up a My Social Security account?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mick. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. You will need a U.S. address to register for a my Social Security account. Since you are living outside of the U.S., please contact your local  Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  6. PM

    Want to submit original copy of my green card but I don’t want to mail it . Want an in person appointment to submit it .

    • Ann C.

      Hi, PM. Thanks for visiting our blog. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you feel you have a critical situation, please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) page for more information and updates. In early April, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. We have not set an exact date in April.  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. 

  7. KC

    Please make possible a phone number so people can get a CALL BACK from SSA instead of waiting on hold for an enormous amount of time, then getting disconnected after an hour or longer waiting. This seems to be a common problem among many. Our time is valuable too. Thank you for considering.

  8. Judith O.

    Need an in-person appointment at Social Security before taxes are due. Have been trying to set this up for weeks with no success at local office in Silver Spring, Maryland. HELP!!!!

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Judith. We are sorry to hear that. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you feel you have a critical situation, please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) page for more information and updates. In early April, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. We have not set an exact date in April.  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. 

    • Walt

      File an extension with the IRS

  9. Donna E.

    I need to a replacement social security card. I’m not comfortable leaving my important documents in a drop box and having them mailed back to me. Can I schedule an appointment to get a replacement card?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Donna. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you feel you have a critical situation, please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) page for more information and updates. In early April, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. We have not set an exact date in April.  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. 

  10. Robert F.

    I’m can’t log in on my account . I’ve been trying to call be I’m left on hold.

    Robert F Naylis
    215-270-1834

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Robert. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We are currently having problems with our phone lines. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls, and long wait times. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks. 

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