All local Social Security offices are closed to the public for in-person service. However, critical services will still be provided online at socialsecurity.gov. Rebecca Havely has more information about how to get needed services…
If you need help from Social Security, check the website socialsecurity.gov first. Residents can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online; check the status of an application or appeal; request a replacement Social Security card; print a benefit verification letter; and more.
If you can’t conduct your business online, check the website about how to contact your local field office.
If you have an appointment scheduled, a Social Security representative will call you to handle your appointment over the phone instead. If you have a hearing scheduled, a representative will call you to reschedule, or will hold the hearing over the telephone. Note that the call may come from a private number and not from a U.S. government phone. Remember, Social Security representatives will not threaten you or ask for payment.
Secure and convenient online services remain available at www.socialsecurity.gov. Local offices will also continue to provide critical services over the phone. Social Security representatives are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local governments, and other experts to monitor COVID-19 and will let you know as soon as they can when they can resume in-person service.
If you need help from Social Security:
- First, please use the secure and convenient online services available at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. You can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and much more – from anywhere and from any of your devices. There is also a wealth of information to answer most of your Social Security questions online, without having to speak with a Social Security representative in person or by phone. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions at www.socialsecurity.gov/ask.
- If you cannot conduct your Social Security business online, please check the online field office locator for specific information about how to directly contact your local office. Your local office still will be able to provide critical services to help you apply for benefits, answer your questions, and provide other services over the phone.
- If you already have an in-office appointment scheduled, you will be called by a representative who will handle your appointment over the phone instead. If you have a hearing scheduled, you will be called to discuss alternatives for continuing with your hearing, including offering a telephonic hearing. The call may come from a PRIVATE number and not from a U.S. government phone. Please remember that Social Security employees will not threaten you or ask for any form of payment.
If you cannot complete your Social Security business online, please call the national 800 number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The national 800 number has many automated service options you can use without waiting to speak with a telephone representative. A list of automated telephone services is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/contact/phone.html.
