Social Security Administration to resume in-person services at local offices

“I am pleased to announce that local Social Security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment, on April 7,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

To avoid waiting in line, people are strongly encouraged, to use the online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment. Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office.

Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at offices. Be aware that offi ces 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 who are served have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with union agreements, Social Security offices are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. They will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people have used secure and convenient online services and received help by phone. People who have access to the internet should first try online services before calling us or visiting an office.

“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,” Kijakazi said.

Most Social Security services are available to the public online at www.socialsecurity. gov 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, at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

People who set up their “my Social Security” account have access to additional personalized services. They can request a replacement Social Security card online if they meet certain requirements. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits.

Many Social Security services are also conveniently available by dialing tollfree, 1 800 772 1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1 800 325 0778.