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What days are Social Security office open? What are their operating hours?
In March 2020 the Social Security Administration closed their local offices. The offices remain closed, but here is how to get in contact with their staff.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the distribution of many important federal benefit programs including Social Security, Special Veterans Benefits, and Supplemental Security Income. Those who need to get in contact with the SSA have a few options.
Local Offices
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The SSA has around 1,200 located around the country to support beneficiaries.
However, to protect staff and beneficiaries the SSA closed all local offices in March 2020 and has yet to reopen them.
The staff that works in these offices are available by phone, but they continue to be closed for in-person appointments. The SSA website reads that the decision was made to protect “the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”
The SSA website hosts a tool that allows people to identify the closest office to their house. The map will also provide users with directions and business hours for the office closest to them. While a visit to the office cannot be made, the tool will inform you of their operating hours.
Phone
The SSA has twenty-four call centers in the US with representatives who stand ready to assist those with questions about benefits. Anyone can call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers can be assisted by calling this line and informing the pre-recorded system or representative that they would like to be assisted 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 – 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.
International callers
Those who cannot call the 1-800 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 from 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Eastern U.S. Time.
Online
Throughout the pandemic, the SSA has expanded the number of services that can be completed online. Before many applicants needed to visit an SSA 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 many areas), get an instant proof of income letter, and much more.”
How to get access to a my Social Security account?
Beneficiaries can sign up for an account on the SSA website.
To create an account you will need to “verify your identity by providing personal information about yourself and answering questions that only you are likely to know.” Additionally, you will be prompted to create a user name and password. The final step is to “Confirm your email address or phone number by entering a one-time security code within 10 minutes of receiving it in order to help keep your personal information safe.”