There have been news reports of Social Security customers visiting agency offices in pursuit with a benefits matter, but when these customers, many of them elderly or disabled, arrive they find Social Security’s doors closed and are unable to get any assistance. Obviously this is frustrating, but it is important to understand the current environment. Social Security offices will remain closed for the time being to protect against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. No one should attempt to visit any Social Security office in person, if you do, you will not receive any assistance face-to-face.
If you can’t access Social Security services in person what are your options? Although they might not be ideal, you can still attempt to access services by phone or online. If the services you need can be accessed online at www.sss.gov this is going to be the quickest resolution, but for those who need assistance from a Social Security employee, they will have do that by phone. There may be long wait times, but there really are no other options. Social Security employees are working, mostly from home, but can access customer information and eventually will be able to assist, but anyone who attempts to seek help by phone should plan on it taking quite a long while. As a further reminder, below are Social Security notices that have gone out informing of office closures.
Will SSA provide in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Date: March 18, 2020
No. Please do not come into one of our local offices. We cannot accept walk-in visitors at this time.
On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we suspended face-to-face service to the public in our field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
How can I find out if my Social Security office is open?
Date: March 20, 2020
All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we are still able to provide critical services.
