On Monday April 4, 2022 the Social Security Administration issued a press release announcing that Social Security offices would be reopening again after more than a two-year closure.
Since March of 2020 Social Security offices have been closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Security officially opened its doors to customers again April 7, 2022 and now will finally allow customers to receive face-to-face assistance from Social Security without scheduling an appointment. The agency is still recommending appointments due to expected long wait times. There are enhanced safety protocols in place to continue to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a portion of the press release offered by Social Security and Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi, who announced the move. The release below includes new guidelines the agency will enforce when assisting customers at a Social Security office.
New Guidelines
To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people, who can, to use our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call us, and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment. Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office. I thank the public for your patience as we work to increase service.
Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices. Be aware that our 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 we serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with our union agreements, we are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. We will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.
Thoughtful planning and preparation have shaped our process to restore in-person services. Social Security employees are dedicated to serving the public, and we are ready to welcome the public back to our offices. Our local managers understand and can address the needs of their communities. We have also implemented office-to-office support as well as brought recently retired employees back to assist the public. We thank the many interested stakeholders including the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and national advocate organizations for your help.
