News and updates on the Coronavirus change hourly and as it does Social Security responds to the current climate to inform how it will continue to assist customers. Although Social Security is continuing to operate it has adjusted how it does business and we will update clients of changes when we are informed. Below are some of the changes Social Security has recently released.
What Social Security Won’t Do
Social Security has suspended the following workloads until further notice:
- It will not start or complete any current medical continuing disability reviews. If you have a medical continuing disability review pending, please do not request medical information from your doctors at this time. Social Security will follow up with you for any medical evidence once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
- Where possible, Social Security is suspending the processing and collection of overpayments.
- The agency is not conducting organization or individual representative payee accountings.
- Social Security will not be able to process a third party request for information, except from appointed representatives and representative payees.
- The agency will not process any Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Social Security Extends Deadlines
Social Security had decided to extend deadlines and timelines it normally has in place for completing documentation and getting appeals on decisions completed. The following is directly from Social Security.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending deadlines wherever possible.
- If we asked you to contact us by a certain date, please do not come to the office. You can contact us once our offices reopen to the public or you can mail your documents to us. We will follow up with you once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
- We are providing maximum flexibility in applying our good cause policy. This policy allows us to extend the time limits for submitting appeals and taking other actions during this pandemic.
Phone Wait Times May Be Up To 90 Minutes
Wait times for Social Security phone have always been long, but you should expect even longer wait times now until a live Social Security representative can assist you. Social Security is estimating 90-minute wait times, it is likely that wait times may even exceed Social Security’s estimates. Below is information from Social Security about these wait times.
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.
We realize you have questions about possible economic stimulus payments, but this legislation has not yet become law. Please do not call us with related questions at this time. We will update this webpage as we learn more.
