COVID-19, General

Update on Our Reentry Plans

December 22, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: December 22, 2021

Social Security Administration LogoWe want to give you an update on our preparations for returning our employees to local Social Security offices, a process called reentry.

You may have seen a proposed reentry date of January 3, 2022 in the draft reentry plan that we provided to our unions, or in the media. While some executives reentered on December 1, we have not set a reentry date for the rest of the agency.

The best way to reach us is online at SSA.gov, or by calling our National 800 Number or a local Social Security office. At this time, please remember that we can only provide in-person service by appointment only for limited, critical issues. And we continue to hold voluntary hearings by online video and phone. We are taking steps to increase in-person help for people unable to complete their business online or by phone.

We will keep you updated on our reentry process.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. John S.

    Why is it that some people equate being out of office as not working? Work is getting done. I applied for medicare a year ago, submitted my forms by mail, called maybe once snd had no issue? Also very telling these commentees possibly never went into an office prior to closure. It’s crazy busy in there on a good day! The work is the same.

  2. Michele B.

    Teachers are expected to be exposed to a multitude of folks with multiple forms of contagion, regardless of personal circumstances. Certainly with the appropriate safeguards in place, SS office employees can do their jobs safely, servicing recipients individually. The livelihoods of too many people and families hang in the balance.

    • Amy C.

      Majority of people who go into the office could have their business handled online or on the phones. They simply just do not know and sit in a waiting room for hours instead. And they’re allowing people in with appointments that qualify. The work is the same even if you went inside, Michele.

      • Janice S.

        Amy, it absolutely is not the same! SS told my husband what he needed to accomplish could not be done online and had to be done by phone appt only. Appt set, waited weeks, SS ghosted us. Finally reached someone by phone, told were had to reset appt. Rescheduled, waited weeks, SS ghosted us AGAIN! I’ve spent all of today calling SS, holding, then being disconnected. Next call: my US congressman for constituent services help. This is absolutely ridiculous.

  3. Birda M.

    I am now learning how to use this page Thank you.

  4. Regina S.

    So why is Mount Laurel New Jersey act like they can’t help me over the phone, every time I call they always tell me somebody will call me back in 24 hours and 48 hours and no one has not called me back and this has been going on for all most a month

  5. michael s.

    Is it possible to notify me when I can actually schedule an appointment. My issues require an in person visit!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Michael. 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 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for more information. We hope this helps.

  6. Jacob

    Thanks for this information. I’ve dealt with my local SSA office several times both in-person and by phone, with mixed results. My family and I started out with somebody who was friendly and got things done. But then he retired, and we had the unfortunate experience of dealing with some rude and incompetent workers. But now it seems everyone knows what they’re doing again and has been friendly and courteous. Thank you for all that you do, and please keep it up. Stay safe and happy holidays.

    • Diane B.

      Oh my gosh..I have had the same experience in my local office they got me so upset that when I left the office I fell outside on the street no one helped I do not know what happen all I know is I walked out of the office because the people were so rude I guess I blacked out never the less it was a very bad experience they need to hire competent people especially when they are dealing with SSI clients Iam afraid to go back to the local office most of the time I have had a good experience but it only takes 1 bad experience to make you fear

  7. Phil

    Your employees should be going back to work on January 3, 2022. No more excuses !

    • Araceli

      What should also be considered is that the offices can get packed to capacity and most individuals with disabilities or elderly are who’s going. That wouldn’t be a safe environment to be in. If you have ever been to an office in person you would regularly see a line out the door. The website has COVID 19 updates as the main source information, hard to miss, which can be helpful if you take a look.

    • Fellow A.

      Re-entry plan begin Jan 3, 2022. SSA still are not opening 100% they most likely will be in sections.

  8. Melanie B.

    The agents doing phone interviews are extremely rude and verbally abusive. I’m terrified every time I get a letter. Everyone else is open in person. It is time. Vaccinate and help people who need help.

    • Diane B.

      Yup..I do not even try any more and the website is so miss managed that I do not even try contacting them this is so wrong bad rude phone operators who have no experience other wise they would not be rude this Pendemic has created so many problems with social security and it has put us in risk and social security has allot of work to do to get back with helping people and letting go people who do not do there job if we complain they might make it worse for us but it has to stop

    • Paula

      You do realize that the people who are answering the phone calls are the same people that you would be speaking to in the office right? Face to face doesn’t change the employees or the service.

    • Fellow A.

      Everybody’s experience varys. Even as a customer service representative you also have to take into consideration that they are answering people that are the ones that provoke the Rep into being rude. They have to deal with impossible people, rude, and inconsiderate people. They are people too, 1 bad interview can ruin the rest of your day. If you do encounter a “rude rep” thank your fellow claimant.

  9. Sarah B.

    I have repeatedly been calling since July 2021. Each time I am left on the waiting phone que for a person to help me. Some hold times as been as long as 45mins with one wait time 65mins. I have never had my call answered. I couldn’t get my needs met online either. My issue is my widow’s benefits didn’t begin as I was told would do so when I reached my full retirement age (FRA) which was May 2021. It is now Dec 2021. Opening the in-person offices is much needed.

  10. R. M.

    To make an appointment by phone took 6 weeks and no one called the date of my appointment? People on phone don’t appear to be knowledgeable for questions or help. So you need the appointment to I guess get the right person to help- but after 6 weeks of waiting they didn’t show up for appointment. I have been trying to get help since Oct 3 rd with my application for Medicare.

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