Local Social Security offices to reopen April 7—with restrictions

Local Social Security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment, on April 7, 2022, according to a news release from Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

To avoid waiting in line, people, who can, are encouraged to use the online services at http://www.socialsecurity.gov call,, and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment.  Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office.

Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at Social Security offices.  Social Security reminds the public that SS 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 SS serves have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with its union agreements, the Social Security Administration is continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms.  SS says it will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.

Local managers understand and can address the needs of their communities.  SS has also implemented office-to-office support as well as brought recently retired employees back to assist the public, and thanks the many interested stakeholders including the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and national advocate organizations for their help.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people have used SS secure and convenient online services and received help by phone.  People who have access to the internet should first try SS online services before calling or visiting an office.

As the Social Security Administration transitions to a new modern phone system, some people may experience a busy signal or be unintentionally disconnected from their call.  People are advised to call when the 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 at the SS offices, phone waits are generally shorter later in the month.

To learn more, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/gethelp/ and www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices/.


Additional Information

Most Social Security services are available to the public online at http://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 http://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.