All local Social Security offices closed to the public for in-person service beginning on Tuesday, March 17. This decision protects the populations Social Security serves: older Americans, people with underlying medical conditions and Social Security employees during the new coronavirus pandemic. However, the offices will still be able to provide critical services.
Secure and convenient online services remain available at www.socialsecurity.gov. Local offices will also continue to provide critical services over the phone. Social Security offices are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local governments, and other experts to monitor COVID-19. They will let the public know as soon as it will be able to resume in-person service.
To Get Help From Social Security:
- First, please use the secure and convenient online services available at socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. Clients can apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter and much more – from anywhere and from any devices. There is a wealth of information to answer most Social Security questions online without having to speak with a Social Security representative in person or by phone. Please visit the online ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ at www.socialsecurity.gov/ask.
- If a person cannot conduct Social Security business online, check the online field office locator for specific information about how to directly contact the local office. The local office still will be able to provide critical services to help anyone apply for benefits, answer questions, and provide other services over the phone.
- If a person already has an in-office appointment scheduled, Social Security will call and handle that appointment over the phone instead. If a person has a hearing scheduled, Social Security will call to discuss alternatives for continuing with the hearing, including offering a telephonic hearing. The call may come from a private number and not from a U.S. Government phone. Please remember that employees will not threaten or ask for any form of payment.
If a person cannot complete the Social Security business online, please call the ‘National 800 Number’ at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The National 800 Number has many automated service options people can use without waiting to speak with a telephone representative. A list of automated telephone services is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/contact/phone.html.
