Am I Required To Have My Hearing By Telephone Or By Online Video
Date: April 7, 2022
No. Telephone or online video hearings are not mandatory. However, we continue to strongly encourage you to consider participating in a telephone hearing or an online video hearing as a secure and reliable hearing option. In late 2021, we began scheduling some in-person hearings. We will continue to increase the number of in-person hearings we can hold. As our capacity grows, we will move to a more normal scheduling process. Please visit our Hearing Options During COVID-19 webpage for more information about our available hearing options.
Does Social Security Have A Plan That Addresses The Health And Safety Of Its Employees And The Public In Its Offices
Date: April 7, 2022
Yes. In accordance with the Office of Management and Budgets Safer Federal Workplace: Agency Model Safety Principles memorandum on the Presidents Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, we have created a COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan. This plan is a living document. We will update it to incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office of Management and Budget.
Please visit How to Get Help from Social Security for what to expect if you need to visit a Social Security office.
Local Social Security Offices Re
Today, Congressman Kevin McCarthy responded to the Social Security Administration fully reopening local offices to the public, after community branches were closed for maximum telework for 2 years, including those in Kern and Tulare Counties and Lancaster, California. During this time, McCarthy has been urging the Biden administration to return SSA offices back to normalcy in order to support the needs of Americans. McCarthy released the following statement:Over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to the American people, and the lack of in-person assistance at local SSA offices has only exacerbated this crisis. Given the difficulties many faced with restricted access to in-person services at local SSA and other federal offices, I have continuously pressed the Biden administration to reverse this policy and to safely end maximum telework for federal employees.Though the administration was slow to act, I am pleased it has finally responded to the American peoples and my call to fully reopen the SSA starting today. Now, Californians and Americans across the nation can once again meet with local Social Security representatives in-person without an appointment to resolve any pressing issues regarding their benefits or eligibility. These offices are located at:Social Security Administration Office
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Where Are The Social Security Offices In Minnesota Located
Minnesota has a few Social Security offices located in various cities throughout the state. You will likely want to schedule your appointment at the one that is closest to your location. However, remember that appointments are limited, so it could take some time to get an appointment at a specific location. Driving to another city might allow you to get an appointment more quickly. The Social Security Administration has also announced that offices will be reopening in March 2022, so you will no longer need an appointment to visit your local office at that time.
I Received A Letter From Social Security That Says My Supplemental Security Income Payment Will Change Unless I File An Appeal How Can I File This Appeal
Date:
You can file an appeal by taking one of the following actions.
Online at SSA.gov
The quickest and easiest way to file an appeal is online at our Appeal a Decision page. Select Reconsideration and then the Request Non-Medical Reconsideration button. Follow the instructions on the screens to complete and submit the appeal electronically.
Send Us a Form by Mail or Fax
You may also download, complete, and print the form Request for Reconsideration and then mail the completed form to your local Social Security office. You can find the local office fax number and address from the Social Security Office Locator page by entering your ZIP code.
If you still have questions about filing an appeal on online, by mail, or fax, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local office. You can find the telephone number for your local office in the letter we sent you or by going to the Social Security Office Locator page and entering your zip code. We can answer your questions and send you the appropriate appeal request form to complete and send back to us.
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How Will Your Offices Acquire Consent For Participating In A Telephone Or Online Video Hearing
Date: December 14, 2021
- We will send you special notice that includes a form to indicate whether you agree to appear at your hearing by telephone and/or by online video. The notice will provide instructions on how and when to return this form to us.
- COVID-19 Remote Hearing Agreement Form – For claimants who have an appointed representative.
- The claimant’s appointed representative may sign the form in lieu of the claimant.
- We also will accept a verbal agreement to appear by telephone or online video.
How Does The Coronavirus Pandemic Impact Social Security Offices
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on local Social Security offices in Minnesota. These offices have been closed to the public for walk-ins for nearly two years, but the Social Security Administration recently announced the reopening of local field offices. The local offices in Minnesota are expected to reopen to the public in March 2022. More than 1,200 local offices across the country are expected to reopen at that time. During the pandemic closure, office visits were only available by appointment to the most crucial cases. Walk-ins should soon be allowed back in these offices as they reopen however, masks will be required for both employees and visitors as part of continued COVID-19 safety protocols.
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What Fraud And Scams Should I Know About
Date: April 29, 2021
This question consolidates and replaces previous questions related to scams.
Unfortunately, there are scammers who will take advantage of the current situation and try to trick you out of your money and personal information. Dont be fooled!
No government agency will contact you offering COVID-19-related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal financial information, an advance fee, or gift cards. Please do not respond. These are scams. Visit Treasurys website if you suspect economic impact payment fraud. Report Social Security scams about COVID-19.
Below are some of the scams we know about, but there can be many variations:
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19-related office closures. We will not suspend or discontinue benefits because our offices are closed to walk-in visitors. Read this and other fraud advisories.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. For example, scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate. Learn about this and other COVID-19 fraud from HHS.
Read More On Social Security
For instance, a person could make an in-person appointment if the individual was without food or shelter, including utilities, and the person needed to apply for or reinstate benefits.
The SSA has also been prioritizing in-person visits for Social Security information.
The SSA has stated that individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card and others who need to update or correct their SSN information will be seen in person.
Meanwhile, as things currently stand, everyone else now also has the ability to make an in-person appointment and to visit the office.
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What Do You Think Of Proposals To Permanently Close Ssa Offices
So now Id like to hear from you. Do you think closing most of the Social Security offices is a good idea? Id like to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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How Can I Prepare For My Hearing
Date: December 14, 2021
For detailed information on how to prepare for your telephone hearing and what to expect during your hearing, visit www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_phone.html.
For detailed information on how to prepare for your online video hearing and what to expect during your hearing, visit www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_video.html. In addition, visit the Online Video Hearing Lobby to set up your device before your online video hearing. For assistance, reference the Online Video Hearing User Guide.
For detailed information on how to prepare if you have been offered an in-person hearing and what to expect during your hearing office visit, visit www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_inperson.html.
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Can I Get A Replacement Social Security Card At My Local Office
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, replacement or corrected Social Security cards were issued. Depending on local office circumstances, Social Security offices are presently only available for in-person visits for restricted, severe cases. You may still apply for a replacement Social Security card via the mail or online.
How Can I Find Out If My Social Security Office Is Open
Date: April 7, 2022
Local Social Security offices are offering more in-person appointments and have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. As we expand in-person service, we strongly encourage you to continue to go online, call us for help, and schedule appointments in advance.
- How to get help from Social Security, including online and the best times to call.
- What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so we can help you safely.
- Options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision.
- The small number of offices that temporarily:
- may provide service only by appointment due to construction, inability to permit people to wait outside the office, or other reasons.
- may be closed to the public.
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Plan Ahead To Avoid Long Lines
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Like many businesses and organizations, Social Security had turned to options like online and telephone services to conduct its operations during the pandemic. Those options are still available. Nevertheless, people in rural areas and those without access to transportation or technology have struggled for help with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .
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, said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Securitys acting commissioner, in a statement. Social Security warns that it is currently having problems with its phone systems. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls and long wait times.
How Can I Communicate With My Local Hearing Office
Date: December 14, 2021
You must have a scheduled hearing to enter a hearing office. You can communicate with your local hearing office by telephone, fax, and e-Fax.
Via telephone:
Our hearing office employees continue to answer our general inquiry lines during regular business hours for local hearing offices and can help you with the following matters:
- Confirming your availability for a hearing
- Confirming your agreement to a telephone or online video hearing
- Updating your records to ensure we have the appropriate telephone number and address and
- Providing status for your pending case.
You can find your local hearing office phone number by accessing our Hearing Office Locator.
Via fax or e-Fax:
Claimants and representatives can send us documents by fax machine or by their own e-fax solution. Sending documents to us via fax delivers a secure, electronic copy to the specific hearing offices designated email inbox. To submit documents electronically via fax, simply use the toll-free fax number with area code 833 assigned to the servicing hearing office. You can find your local hearing office phone number by accessing our Hearing Office Locator.
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How Do I Make An Appointment At A Social Security Office In Minnesota
To make an appointment at a Social Security office in Minnesota, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Remember that you do not need an appointment to apply for benefits or appeal a disability decision. These tasks can be completed online. You can also contact Social Security at the same number if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Reopening Of Social Security Offices Expected To Bring Crowds And Confusion
There may be “huge numbers of low-income, disabled folks showing up at overrun offices.”
Angela Sutton was shot by a relative at age 14 in Germantown.
Now 42 and living in Northeast Philadelphia with her two children, ages 21 and 15, Sutton has been unable to work because of disabilities caused by post-traumatic stress, as well as pain from a bullet still lodged in her groin. Lately, a virus has diminished the vision in her right eye.
People suffering like Sutton are eligible for Supplemental Security Income , which pays average monthly benefits of $604 from the Social Security Administration. Around 8 million Americans with limited income and resources are SSI beneficiaries, 101,000 of them in Philadelphia. Most are mentally or physically disabled and unable to work. Many are blind, or age 65 or older.
Sutton tried to apply for SSI benefits in 2020. But the 1,200 Social Security offices across the United States, including seven in Philadelphia, have been shuttered for two years because of the pandemic. They are set to open Thursday.
Sutton, like thousands of others, attempted to call the balky Social Security 800-number countless times to get her application started, without anyone answering. Or, she was hung up on, or routed to the wrong person. And people can begin, but not complete, an application for SSI online, advocates say.
When offices do open their doors, DeJuliis said, it may be a disaster.
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Will Social Security Offices Be Open On Labor Day
If you have business to take care of with a Social Security office, youll want to get it done before Labor Day weekend or youll have to wait until Sept. 6. Social Security offices are closed on Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.
Social Security offices have been open for business following the pandemic, during normal business hours, since April 7. Phone lines at field offices are also open between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Fortunately, online Social Security services are available, including:
- Applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits.
- Checking the status of a claim.
- Requesting a replacement Social Security card.
- Getting a proof-of-income letter.
- Viewing your earnings or an estimate of future benefits.
- Managing your monthly benefits.
If you cant find the answers you are looking for online , you can make an appointment for an in-person meeting for faster service. Walk-ins are also accepted, but the Social Security website warns that there could be long wait times in such circumstances.
Additionally, SSA.gov says that the morning after a federal holiday is one of the busiest periods for Social Security offices, so additional wait times are to be expected.
How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card
The Social Security Administration does not issue temporary Social Security cards. However, there is a way to get something almost as good. If you need a same-day Social Security card replacement, here is what you need to do. You will need to complete the Form SS-5 application and return it in-person to your local Social Security office. Upon the acceptance of the application, the SSA rep will be able to issue you a receipt showing that your application for a new card has been completed. This receipt will act as a temporary Social Security card in some cases. Many agencies will accept this receipt in lieu of your new card, although this will not always work. If they do not accept the receipt, then you will need to wait until you receive your new card in the mail.
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What Changes For Social Security Applicants
Since March 17, 2020, the Social Security Administration has been operating primarily online, allowing very few applicants to make appointments at the office. Starting on April 7th, the Social Security offices will be open to the public without appointment for the first time in two years. Applicants for either Social Security retirement or disability can come in for scheduled appointments or on a first come, first serve basis.
The hope is that with more availability for appointments, Social Security applicants have additional options and reduced wait time when attempting to contact the SSA. There are more than 1,200 SSA field offices across the US, with every state having at least one field office. The Social Security Administration has rehired previously retired employees to ensure field offices have adequate staff. The SSA has also implemented new training policies and is switching to a modern phone system to attempt to reduce wait times.