Social Security Office Hours
Hours are mostly standardized across the various Social Security offices nationwide. However it is highly recommended to contact your local office to confirm hours and set an appointment.
Sunday:Closed
Please note that offices close on Wednesdays at noon instead of 4:00 PM. Offices are closed over the weekend. The suggested time to visit the offices is later in the week as they are less busy. Numerous services can be completed online, so please only visit your local office if you must.
All Social Security offices will be closed on the following federal holidays.
Cabinet Executive Departments And Agencies
The daily enforcement and administration of federal laws is in the hands of the various , created by Congress to deal with specific areas of national and international affairs. The heads of the 15 departments, chosen by the president and approved with the “advice and consent” of the U.S. Senate, form a council of advisers generally known as the president’s “Cabinet”. Once confirmed, these “cabinet officers” serve at the pleasure of the president. In addition to departments, a number of staff organizations are grouped into the . These include the staff, the , the , the , the , the , the , and the . The employees in these United States government agencies are called .
The Judiciary, under Article III of the Constitution, explains and applies the laws. This branch does this by hearing and eventually making decisions on various legal cases.
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.
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How Open Ssa Offices Will Affect The Agencys Backlog Issues
Since the SSA has closed its offices, nearly all of the agencys business with the public has been handled via phone, online and mail.
This has caused a tremendous amount of systematic backlog and serious administrative issues.
For instance, in 2020 the height of Covid19 the agency only answered 51% of calls received, reports Forbes.
More recently, its also been difficult for claimants to get in touch with an SSA representative.
According to the Office of the Inspector General, the agency lacks comprehensive policies and procedures to track and return original documents, including drivers licenses, birth certificates and passports.
Nancy Altman, president of the nonprofit Social Security Works advocacy group, is excited about SSAs offices opening.
However, she noted on January 21, 2022, that the SSA needs to do more to improve service to the public.
She said: Even before the pandemic, Social Security was facing a customer service crisis due to underfunding.
Congress must allow SSA to spend enough of Social Securitys $2.9trillion accumulated surplus to not just safely reopen offices, but expand both the workforce and number of offices.
The American people have earned, paid for, and deserve first class service.
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Social Security Offices To Reopen Today After Staying Shut For Two Years
- 10:23 ET, Apr 7 2022
FOR the first time in two years, Social Security offices nationwide are set to fully open their doors on Thursday, April 7.
Many people are hoping this will help resolve the agencys backlog issues.
Like many other government agencies and private organizations, the agency closed its offices across the country in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The agencys decision to close its doors was intended to protect the agencys employees as well as claimants from the unknown virus.
However, when the SSA shut its doors, it did not close completely.
People could still make in-person appointments for Social Security benefits but only if they had limited means and a critical situation.
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How To Get A Social Security Card
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.
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Social Security Offices Open Their Doors For In
After more than two years of being largely closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic, the nations more than 1,200 Social Security Administration field offices reopened today.
Still, Social Security officials encourage people with phone and internet access to use those methods of contact if possible.
Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices, the agency said in a written statement earlier this week.
In-person visitors will be required to wear masks, in addition to other safety precautions.
Many advocates have said they anticipate the lengthy closures, combined with the agencys staffing challenges and continued technical problems with phone systems, could lead to long lines for service, though none were visible at several Pittsburgh-area offices Thursday morning.
Advocates and attorneys have said they are sensitive to the safety concerns of reopening, but that the closed offices had posed a hardship for some people, particularly those applying for the disability benefits that are part of the Social Security program.
It was incredibly difficult for our clients, many of whom rely on the local offices to get help with their applications, to do updates on their applications, to deal with overpayment issues, everything. So, it a huge hurdle for our clients, said Jennifer Modell, an attorney specializing in Social Security cases at Neighborhood Legal Services in Pittsburgh.
The Best Way To Make An In
While Social Security field offices will give disability applicants another option to apply for benefits, the Social Security Administration is still expecting long wait times, especially for those without an appointment. The SSA recommends making a virtual appointment if possible, or by calling the SSA directly. If you would prefer to visit a newly opened field office, you should try to schedule an appointment ahead of time to avoid long wait times.
For those who dont have an appointment, there are ways to optimize your visit to your local Social Security office. The SSA recommends avoiding the offices first thing in the morning, early in the week, and early in the month. One of the biggest reasons why field offices get busy at the beginning of the week and month is due to disability and retirement payment schedules. SSI payments are delivered on the first of the month. Anyone missing a payment would likely see a problem with their bank statement in the beginning of the month.
With careful planning and an appointment made ahead of time, you may finally be able to visit the Social Security Administration in person. To make an appointment at your closest Social Security office, you can call the SSA toll free at 1-800-772-1213.
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Social Security Administration Will Allow People To Choose Their Gender Markers
The Social Security Administration announced on Wednesday that it will allow U.S. citizens to self-select a gender marker on their records. In a press release, the office explicitly said that this move was meant to better accommodate transgender Americans.
The Social Security Administrations Equity Action Plan includes a commitment to decrease administrative burdens and ensure people who identify as gender diverse or transgender have options in the Social Security Number card application process, said the offices acting commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi. This new policy allows people to self-select their sex in our records without needing to provide documentation of their sex designation.
The administration helps promote economic security and gives payments to about 63 million Americans, many of whom are either retired or disabled. According to its own website, it is the most successful anti-poverty program in U.S. history.
People who update their gender marker will need to apply for a replacement social security card, according to the offices press release. Applicants will need to show a current document to prove their identity, but will not be required to show medical or legal documentation of their sex. Social security cards themselves, the agency points out, do not have a gender marker on them.
The Social Security Administrations new policy is now in effect for any Americans wishing to amend their records.
Are Social Security Offices Open For In Person Appointment In 2022
Yes. Social security field offices across the country are now open for in-person appointments. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency shut all its offices across the country to the public in March 2020. The move was primarily to safeguard the agencys employees and its beneficiaries, many of whom are at high risk from the virus.
Since that time, virtually all aspects of the agencys business with the public have been handled by phone, online, and via mail. According to reports, the Social Security Administration initially had plans to reopen its offices on Jan. 3, but that plan was delayed due to concerns from unions.
However, they fully reopened on April 7 after more than two years of strictly limited visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Social Security field offices are again open to walk-in visitors, the agency strongly recommends making an appointment in advance to avoid lines and long waits.
Under normal operations, Social Security field offices are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Under the new agreement, both employees and visitors are expected to wear masks before they can gain entry into Social Security offices, whether or not they are vaccinated.
To avoid waiting in line, it is recommended you first try using their online services or even reach out to the agency to schedule appointments in advance. In recent times, staffing has proven to be a big problem for the Social Security field office.
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What Social Security And Medicare Processing Delays Mean For You
First and foremost, if you are nearing your intended beginning date for Social Security or Medicare, you should apply as early as possible to ensure that your application is processed on time. You can apply for Social Security up to four months prior to your intended beginning date and you can apply for Medicare up to three months before you want your coverage to begin. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can apply as early as August to have Social Security retirement benefits begin in December.
For Medicare, you become eligible at age 65 assuming that you or your spouse paid Medicare tax during your working years. If you are already receiving Social Security at that time, your Medicare benefits are automatic. But, many choose to delay their Social Security retirement benefits to or past their Full Retirement Age. If you have delayed your Social Security retirement benefits past age 65, you could have to apply for Medicare.
If you submit your application at the earliest opportunity, you have a much better chance of having your benefits begin on the intended date. On the other hand, if you wait to file closer to your beginning date, your paperwork may not be processed by your intended start date, which could cause your Social Security payments to be delayed.
How Do I Change The Name On My Social Security Card
There are a couple of ways you can perform a Social Security card name change. The easiest is by making the request online through your My Social Security account. Depending on the state you live in, you might be unable to complete the request online. If you cannot, then you will need to mail in the application for name change with the required documentation or visit your local Social Security office.
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One Pager: Social Security Administration Reopening Most Offices To Public Today
for a printable version of this one-pager.
SSA Resuming In-Office Services
Today, April 7, the Social Security Administration resumed in-office services by both walk-in and appointment for the first time since March 2020 at approximately 98 percent of its more than 1,200 field offices.
The SSA strongly encourages the public to schedule an appointment before heading to an office and visitors should be cautioned that the SSA expects large crowds and has warned walk-in visitors to expect delays and long waits.
Scheduling an Appointment
You can schedule or modify an appointment by calling the SSAs National 800 number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 am 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or by contacting their local field office using the SSAs online field office locator application.
Additional Information
Additional, up to date information on the SSAs reopening and how the public can get help from Social Security, is available here.
Additional information can be found in the SSAs reopening press release and blog post.
for a printable version of this one-pager.
Social Security Administration To Resume In
~ Statement of Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner:
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.
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.
Additional Information
To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on Twitter @SSAPress.
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Hours On Hold 6 Months Of No Income
Bev Myers spends much of her day at her west Indianapolis home knitting. Shed rather be working, but she cant.
Myers has had multiple surgeries on her right hand and her back, and since she cannot lift more than ten pounds, her longtime employer encouraged her to retire due to her disability. After working for four decades, Myers applied for Social Security disability benefits last May. She has heard nothing from the federal agency about her application, and in the meantime, she has no income.
That hurts. I have worked over 40 years for my Social Security, Myers told 13News. I understand that were in a pandemic, but grocery stores are open and shopping malls are open and schools and hospitals are open. I have bills to pay and I need to put food on my table. Get my file through, get me over this and let me move on with my life.
Holly Moss is also frustrated with the Social Security Administration. The Westfield mother has waited a full year to learn whether the agency will give final approval for her sons Social Security disability benefits.
Unable to get an in-person appointment at a local SSA field office, Moss has tried to call the phone number shes been given for the worker whos handling her case. Some days, she calls the agency a dozen times or more but she never gets to talk to anyone.
You cant go to the office, so Ive tried calling every day for weeks. Theres nobody to talk to, she said.