Social Security offices are closed and they will be for the foreseeable future, but accessing Social Security services can be obtained through the website sss.gov or through phone service. It is to be advised that if you do seek assistance though the phone you should be prepared to wait. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic most Social Security employees are working from home and will be for a while, so wait times are extended, but stay vigilant and focus on online and phone service to access the benefits and questions you need answered. Below are guidelines issued by Social Security about online and phone service.
What can I 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, 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;
- Request a replacement Medicare card, although your healthcare provider can verify coverage if you know your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number;
- Change your address, if you receive benefits; Set up or change your direct deposit.
We also have information to answer most of your Social Security questions online, without having to speak with a Social Security representative. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Can SSA help me by phone?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking the public to first try to use our online services before calling us.
If you cannot use these online services, although our offices are closed to the public, employees from those offices are assisting people by telephone. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Field Office Locator and looking under Additional Office Information. (Note, if you already had a scheduled appointment with your local office, an employee from that office will attempt to call you at your scheduled appointment time.)
If you cannot use our online services or reach your local office, you may call our National 800 Number, where you may be able to take care of your business by using one of our automated telephone services without having to wait for a telephone agent. If you need to speak with an agent, be aware that wait times may be longer than usual, which is why we encourage you to try our online services or call your local office first.
I had a scheduled appointment, what do I need to do?
If you already have a scheduled appointment, we will attempt to contact you by phone at your appointment time and/or reschedule for a telephone appointment.
