A couple of years ago Social Security reduced the number of hours its field offices were open due to budget constraints, but thanks to Congress’ approval of the fiscal year 2015 budget, the agency’s field offices will be open an extra four days a week to assist customers.
Currently, all field offices are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. Beginning March 16, Social Security will be open until 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The agency’s Wednesday hours will remain the same.
An extra four hours a week doesn’t seem like a lot of extra time, but when you consider the combined field offices have welcomed more than 40 million visitors a year, every extra hour will help serve more customers.
“This expansion of office hours reaffirms our commitment to providing the people we serve the option of top-notch, face-to-face assistance in field offices even as we work to expand online services for those who prefer the flexibility,” said Carolyn Colvin, acting Social Security commissioner.
You may wonder why Social Security closes its doors at noon on Wednesday, but Social Security claims that once the doors close at noon on Wednesdays, it services as prime time for Social Security employees to get a lot of their work done, which can’t be completed when assisting customers.
It is important to know that you don’t have to necessarily visit a field office to conduct Social Security business. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits can be completed online at www.ssa.gov or by calling Social Security’s national toll free number at 1-800-772-1213.. Other services available online include creating an online Social Security account to track progress with requests and updating your contact information with Social Security.
To learn more about Social Security’s expanded hours come March click here.
