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Update from Social Security Administration

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Update from Social Security Administration

Statement of Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner: Social Security Administration to Resume In-Person Services at Local

Social Security Offices

Online Services and Telephone Remain Most Convenient Ways to Contact Agency

“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 at www.socialsecurity.gov, 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.  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, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms.  We will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.

Thoughtful planning and preparation have shaped our process to restore in-person services.  Social Security employees are dedicated to serving the public, and we are ready to welcome the public back to our offices.  Our local managers understand and can address the needs of their communities.  We have also implemented office-to-office support as well as brought recently retired employees back to assist the public.  We thank the many interested stakeholders including the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and national advocate organizations for your help.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people have used our secure and convenient online services and received help by phone.  People who have access to the internet should first try our 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.

To learn more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/gethelp/ and www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices/.”

Additional Information

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 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.

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To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on Twitter @SSAPress.

This press release was produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense.

The Social Security Administration in March 2020 stopped face-to-face service with the public at the more than 1,200 field offices nationwide except in “limited, critical situations” due to the covid-19 pandemic. Until offices reopen, which may be finally happening after two years, beneficiaries can conduct business with the agency online, via fax or by phone including critical services.

The Social Security Administration considers the following situations as limited and critical: When a person lacks food or shelter, including utilities or in the event they do not have medical care or coverage and they are looking to reinstate or apply for benefits. Likewise, beneficiaries that cannot receive their benefits payment electronically and are in urgent need of one to cover food, shelter, or medical treatment expenses.

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Scheduling an appointment with your local Social Security office

The agency is aiming to reopen offices for face-to-face services with the public at the end of March. Until then, the Social Security Administration provides a guide on conducting business during the pandemic with the agency.

Those that think they meet the requisites for an in-person appointment can contact their local office to arrange an appointment. The Social Security Administration advises that appointments will depend on staffing as well as the local health and safety conditions. However, if you do not qualify for an in-person appointment you can still contact the agency or use the expanded online services.

Wondering what day of the month you’ll get your Social Security payment? Our payment schedule has not changed. For most Social Security benefits, payment dates are based on your birthdate. We issue SSI payments at the beginning of the month. Learn more: https://t.co/9xfyFXwXr6 pic.twitter.com/kqrnUKgbcL

— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) February 9, 2022

Contact the Social Security Administration toll-free by phone

The Social Security Administration provides toll-free National 800 number service to members of the public. Representatives are available between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday at 1-800-772-1213. The agency advises that wait times are typically shorter later in the day and Wednesdays through Fridays.

Spanish speakers can receive assistance by calling the same toll-free number and informing the pre-recorded system or representative that they would like to talk to a representative in Spanish.

For those who cannot make a call during these times, “recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day and on weekends.”

Deaf and hard of hearing

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call toll-free at 1-800-325-0778 to resolve any benefit issues or get their questions answered. The line is available from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.

International callers

Those who cannot call the National 800 number because they are located outside of the United States can use the following number, 410-965-0160. Callers should be aware that this is not a toll-free number, and they will have to assume any costs associated with the call. Representatives are available at this number on weekdays between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Eastern US Time.

Online Social Security services

Throughout the pandemic, the SSA has expanded the number of services that can be completed online. Before many applicants needed to visit an Social Security office to apply for benefits, now “you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online.”

Additionally, the site allows beneficiaries to “check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card in most states, get an instant proof of income letter, and much more.”

How to get access to a “my Social Security” account?

Setting up an online secure account is quick and easy, which you can do online or in person, once offices reopen if you are unable to get an in-person appointment now. For those who are 18 and older, all you need is a US mailing address, valid email address and a Social Security number.

If you don’t already have the app on your smartphone, you will want to download the app to your phone before you get started.

How can I make an appointment at my local Social Security office?

If you do need an appointment you can schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday or contacting your local Social Security office.

How do I speak to a live person at Social Security?

You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

How to get the $16,728 bonus in retirement?.
Work as long as you can: the later you retire the higher your benefit will be. Remember that 70 is the maximum age. ... .
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High salary: with a high salary you will have a high retirement..

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefit. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.