Social Security has dedicated a special section of its website at ssa.gov to questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and how Social Security is attempting to assist customers during this time. There are some recent updates including more information about who can obtain an in-office appointment when Social Security offices only remain open for special circumstances and better clarification about a suspension of the agency’s rules for continuing payments during a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).
Some of these easing of Social Security’s rules and regulations will provide some relief to people who are counting on their Social Security benefits during the pandemic and it is the right thing to do. Below is information from Social Security’s COVID-19 page. These are the most recent updates on Social Security’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still able to request benefits continue during a disability review even past the deadline
You may, at any time, submit a late request to continue (or resume) your benefits while we make a determination on your appeal. We will grant the request if you provide a good reason. We have experienced delays in processing certain requests for reconsideration of initial disability cessation determinations (including age-18 redeterminations) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We will accept this delay as a good reason to resume benefit payments when you file a late request and the following apply:
- The determination notice ending your disability benefits (notice of cessation) is dated on or before August 30, 2020; and
- Your request for reconsideration of the cessation determination is still pending with us.
Situations where you can request an in-office appointment with Social Security
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can only enter our offices if you have an appointment. For more information regarding appointment availability for your situation, please select the statement that applies to you:
- Are without food or shelter, including utilities or are without medical care or coverage and need to apply for or reinstate benefits.
- Currently receive benefits and have an urgent need for payment to meet expenses for food, shelter, or medical treatment, and you cannot receive the payment electronically.
If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.
Also appointments available to assist in situations where your Social Security number is involved
We are prioritizing requests for in-person SSN services for:
- Individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.
- Individuals who need to update or correct their SSN information (such as your name, date of birth, or citizenship) to obtain income, resources, or medical care or coverage, or other services or benefits (for example filing a tax return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment).
If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.
