Social Security has slowed operations in response to the Coronavirus outbreak as all of the agency’s offices are closed to the public, but most of Social Security’s other functions are still operational and they are, for the time being, processing disability claims. Although claims will be processed it is likely to take longer before decisions are issued while the Coronavirus drags on. Additionally, Social Security will continue to conduct disability hearings with judges, but all in-person hearings have been suspended and the only way hearing are currently being deducted are by phone.
Below are recent releases issued by Social Security providing guidelines of how it will provide services until further notice.
Offices Closed
No. Please do not come into one of our local offices. We cannot accept walk-in visitors at this time.
On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we suspended face-to-face service to the public in our field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
How To Get Help
Social Security Offices are closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can still get our help by using our online services or calling us.
You can do most of your business with SSA online. Before calling us, please visit our website to see our list of convenient and secure self-service options. Save time and go online.
If you cannot use our online services, we can help with certain critical issues by phone and mail.
Things You Can Do Online
You can conduct most business online with our secure and convenient online services. Our online services are available from anywhere and from any of your devices. You can:
- File a claim for retirement or survivor’s, disability, or Medicare benefits;
- Apply for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drugs;
- Check your application status;
- File an appeal if you were recently denied disability benefits;
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas);
- Print proof of your benefits;
- Explore all of the benefits you may be eligible for at Benefits.gov;
- Request a replacement Medicare card, although your healthcare provider can verify coverage if you know your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number;
- Print a SSA-1099;
- Change your address, if you receive benefits;
- Set up or change your direct deposit; and
We also have information to answer most of your Social Security questions online, without having to speak with a Social Security representative.
Help By Phone
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are dedicating available staff to serve people in most critical need of our services. Please read below before deciding whether to contact your local Field Office inquiry line or our National 800 Number. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. It may take you up to 90 minutes or more to reach an agent, so we encourage you to try our online services before calling us.
When to call the local Field Office:
Field office employees can help you with the following issues:
- Taking disability and survivor applications for the most severe disabilities, including:
*If you have a terminal illness;
*If you are a Wounded Warrior;
*If you may qualify for an immediate Supplemental Security Income payment based certain severe disabilities; and
*If your disability qualifies for our Compassionate Allowance or Quick Disability Determination processes.
- Resolving payment-related issues:
*If you did not receive your monthly payment;
*If you are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless;
*If you received an overpayment letter and need to request a reduced repayment schedule or request a waiver; or
*If your benefits were suspended and can now be reinstated.
