As we have said in previous blog posts local Social Security offices have opened on a limited basis for what is considered “critical services” for people who have made appointments. These appointment opportunities are very limited as Social Security remains closed to walk-in service. If you do receive one of these appointments you should be aware of the following protocol when visiting Social Security.
Due to COVID-19, you must have a scheduled appointment to enter an office. Only you may enter the facility unless you have made additional arrangements when you scheduled your appointment.
Effective July 20, 2020, everyone must complete a self-assessment checklist before allowed entry. You will not be permitted to enter if you answer yes to any of these questions:
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Cough or sore throat;
- Fever (100.4 degrees or higher);
- Chills;
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- Muscle pain or body aches;
- Headache;
- New loss of taste or smell; or
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In the last 14 days, have you:
- Been diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Received instructions to monitor for symptoms or self-quarantine?
- Traveled outside the country? or
- Been within 6 feet of a person who was diagnosed with COVID-19?
If you answer YES to any of these questions, or if you feel ill, you will not be allowed to enter. Call the office to reschedule your appointment. If you do not have the phone number, use our Office Locator to find the phone number.
If you can answer NO to both questions, you must wear a face covering over your mouth and nose to enter the facility. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one. If you are unable to wear a face covering, call the office and ask to speak with the manager.
For your safety, Social Security employees are required to follow the same self-assessment checklist and are required to wear a face covering.
Be Prepared For Your Phone Hearing
On the day of your phone hearing, it is extremely important that you be available to answer your phone. A member of our hearing office staff will call you a few minutes before your scheduled hearing time. If possible, find a quiet place to be alone (or with your representative) for your telephone hearing to protect your privacy and avoid distractions.
Just like for an in-person or video hearing, there will be a number of participants on the telephone hearing with you: you, your representative (if you are represented), the administrative law judge (ALJ), and a hearing reporter who will record and monitor the hearing. There may be other participants on the line as well, such as a vocational expert, medical expert, or interpreter.
To ensure you experience the best quality for your telephone hearing, we recommend the following:
- Consider a traditional ‘land line’ telephone if you have one. It will provide you a better connection and sound quality.
- If you are going to use a cell phone, ensure you sufficiently charge your cell phone to hold a conversation for at least an hour and a half. Try to find a location with privacy but that also has good reception.
- Use the mute button on your telephone when you are not speaking to help reduce background noise. Just remember to unmute when you testify.
