Social Security Offices To Reopen Today After Staying Shut For Two Years
- 10:23 ET, Apr 7 2022
FOR the first time in two years, Social Security offices nationwide are set to fully open their doors on Thursday, April 7.
Many people are hoping this will help resolve the agency’s backlog issues.
Like many other government agencies and private organizations, the agency closed its offices across the country in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The agency’s decision to close its doors was intended to protect the agencys employees as well as claimants from the unknown virus.
However, when the SSA shut its doors, it did not close completely.
People could still make in-person appointments for Social Security benefits but only if they had limited means and a critical situation.
How Can I Prepare For My Hearing
Date: December 14, 2021
For detailed information on how to prepare for your telephone hearing and what to expect during your hearing, visit www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_phone.html.
For detailed information on how to prepare for your online video hearing and what to expect during your hearing, visit www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_video.html. In addition, visit the Online Video Hearing Lobby to set up your device before your online video hearing. For assistance, reference the Online Video Hearing User Guide.
For detailed information on how to prepare if you have been offered an in-person hearing and what to expect during your hearing office visit, visit www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_inperson.html.
Will Social Security Call Me Because There Is A Problem With My Benefits
Generally, no. Social Security will usually contact you by mail. Fraudsters, however, will call you and claim there’s a problem. They may threaten to sue you or have you arrested. Or demand payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency or cash to resolve phantom issues. They often demand secrecy.
Social Security workers won’t do any of these things. If you get one of these calls, hang up and report the call to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General .
Also Check: Social Security Office Hinesville Ga
Most Social Security Offices Are Still Closed: How To Get An Appointment For Benefits Or A New Card
Why have social security offices not fully reopened? That has been a major point of contention for people attempting to conduct normal business since offices and facilities have been reopening.
News10NBC investigated office hours looking into the reason behind continued closure. Other federal agencies, like the post office, have been reopened for months.
Most of the issue revolves around the categories of service offices provide. If you need help with benefits, the Social Security Administration says it will schedule an in-person appointed for you. But those appointments are only available in select, critical situations.
If you need help with your social security number, its a little more complex. Again though, appointments are only available on a scattered basis. Theres a priority list for different situations.
The big takeaway is this, though: No SSA office is open for walk-ins. In fact, it doesnt appear as though the agency has any plans of returning to that practice in the near- to medium-term future.
Heres the full statement SSA sent News10NBC:
Each week we are increasing the number of personnel in our field offices to provide more in-office appointments. We have more than 1,200 field offices staffed with personnel who are conducting in-person appointments and other services.
Does Social Security Have A Plan That Addresses The Health And Safety Of Its Employees And The Public In Its Offices
Date: April 7, 2022
Yes. In accordance with the Office of Management and Budgets Safer Federal Workplace: Agency Model Safety Principles memorandum on the Presidents Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, we have created a COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan. This plan is a living document. We will update it to incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office of Management and Budget.
Please visit How to Get Help from Social Security for what to expect if you need to visit a Social Security office.
Read Also: What Percent Is Social Security Tax
Are Social Security Offices Open
Some business must be conducted in person, and that is certainly the case when it comes to the Social Security Administration. Many people visit their local SSA office for various reasons each day. However, nothing is more frustrating than arriving at your local Social Security office only to find that it is closed. With the current pandemic, more and more offices are closing or operating on reduced hours. So, is the Social Security office open? We will answer that question and give you all the details about visiting your local office, so just keep reading.
How Will Ssa Process My Notice Of Appointment While Emergency Procedures Are In Place
Date: March 11, 2021
Beginning March 11, 2021, we have revised our temporary procedures to allow you to use different methods to sign the notice of appointment of a representative and fee agreement, if the fee agreement is submitted with the new notice of appointment, during the current COVID-19 health emergency. During this time, if we receive an appointment document such as the Form SSA-1696, on its own or along with an SSA-8000, SSA-8001, SSA-L2, SSA-820, SSA-821, SSA-827, or SSA-455 form, and your signature appears to be an electronic or digital signature, we will make three attempts to contact you to verify your identity and confirm the signature. If we verify your identity and signature, we will process the appointment as usual. If the first attempt to reach you by telephone is unsuccessful, we also will send a call-in letter to you and the representative you requested. If we cannot reach you and you do not return our call, or do not verify the signature, we will return the paperwork to the person who submitted it without recognizing the appointment.
We also have temporary procedures in place permitting you to verbally appoint a representative during a remote telephone hearing with an administrative law judge, if you submit a written notice of appointment afterwards. In this case, we will accept an electronic signature on the written appointment notice, without needing to call you again.
You May Like: Social Security Office On Delmar
What Do I Do If I Miss My Hearing
Date: December 14, 2021
If you missed your hearing time, please call the hearing office right away at the phone number listed on your Notice of Hearing. If you do not have your Notice of Hearing, you can find your local hearing office phone number by visiting our Hearing Office Locator.
We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic may create situations that constitute good cause for failing to appear at your scheduled hearing. To assist you in explaining why you have missed your hearing date during the pandemic, we will mail you a notice . This notice will give you an opportunity to explain why you did not appear for your hearing. Although the notice we use to request a showing of good cause for failure to appear identifies a shorter timeframe for a response, we will provide 30 days from the date on the request before we will issue a dismissal, to account for potential mail delivery and processing delays.
Is Representative Payee Monitoring Continuing
Date: October 9, 2020
Yes. State Protection and Advocacy networks will conduct new representative payee monitoring reviews in-person only when state and local conditions permit and reviews can be conducted safely while social distancing with personal protective equipment . Reviews may also be conducted by video and phone. P& A grantees will comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions social distancing guidelines.
You May Like: Are Social Security Benefits Taxable After Full Retirement Age
Read More On Social Security
For instance, a person could make an in-person appointment if the individual was without food or shelter, including utilities, and the person needed to apply for or reinstate benefits.
The SSA has also been prioritizing in-person visits for Social Security information.
The SSA has stated that individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card and others who need to update or correct their SSN information will be seen in person.
Meanwhile, as things currently stand, everyone else now also has the ability to make an in-person appointment and to visit the office.
Will My Social Security Application Take Longer To Process Because Of The Coronavirus
Possibly. It normally takes about six weeks for the SSA to process your application and start your benefits. Social Security Disability payments typically take five to six months to process. With field offices closed temporarily and phone services prioritizing the most critical requests, delays can’t be ruled out.
Also Check: Social Security Disability Overpayment Statute Of Limitations
Social Security Offices Will Open To The Public April 7 No Appointment Required
The Social Security Administration finally released a date that its field offices will reopen to the public after closing a year-and-a-half ago during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find: Social Security Offices How Can I Find One Near Me?
Social Security offices will restore in-person services on Thursday, April 7, including for people without an appointment, SSA Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi said in a statement on Monday.
Because of an expected rush of visitors when offices reopen, the SSA still strongly encourages people to use online services whenever possible. And even though you dont need an appointment to get in-person service, youre also strongly encouraged to schedule one to avoid waiting in a long line.
Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices, Kijakazi said. Be aware that our offices tend to be the busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week and during the early part of the month, so people may want to plan to visit at other times.
Explore: Social Security Administration Offers New Site To Return Overpayments
The SSA will also continue to require safety measures such as masking, physical distancing and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. The agency will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.
Just dont be surprised if you cant get through immediately.
More From GOBankingRates
Am I Eligible For An In
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can only enter our offices if you have an appointment. If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment due to dire circumstances, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.
Recommended Reading: Lee County Social Security Office
Help With Social Security Number
Just like with benefit issues, getting an appointment for help with your Social Security number has a priority system as well. These appointments are reserved for people age 12 and over who are getting their first Social Security card or need to update information related to their Social Security number such as a name change or citizenship status change. These people may also be unwilling or unable to mail original documents. For example, you might not want to mail your original birth certificate or drivers license to prove your identity on your application. So, you could make an appointment to accomplish this. Simply requesting a replacement card is not enough to warrant an appointment in most cases. Replacement Social Security cards can be requested online as well as replacement Medicare cards.
How Will Your Offices Acquire Consent For Participating In A Telephone Or Online Video Hearing
Date: December 14, 2021
- We will send you special notice that includes a form to indicate whether you agree to appear at your hearing by telephone and/or by online video. The notice will provide instructions on how and when to return this form to us.
- COVID-19 Remote Hearing Agreement Form – For claimants who have an appointed representative.
- The claimant’s appointed representative may sign the form in lieu of the claimant.
- We also will accept a verbal agreement to appear by telephone or online video.
Recommended Reading: Social Security Disability Earnings Limit 2022
With More Patients Needing To Stay At Home And A Growing Concern Over Health Care Workforce Shortages Due To Covid
Under current law, only physicians are able to certify the need for home health services. With the CARES Act, all physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists are now allowed to order home health services for beneficiaries, reducing delays and increasing beneficiary access to care in the safety of their home.
All Ides American Job Centers Are Scheduling In
- Rockford | 303 N. Main Street, 61101
- Harvey | 16845 S. Halsted, 60426
- Champaign | 1307 N. Mattis Avenue, 61821
- Mt. Vernon | 200 Outlet Ave., 62864
- Belleville | 7650 Magna Drive, Suite 120, 62223
- Chicago Pilsen | 1700 W. 18th Street, Chicago, 60608
- Wheeling | 1400 S. Wolf Road, 60090
- Effingham | 2311 Hoffman Drive, 62401
- Ottawa | 1550 1st Avenue, South Towne Mall, 61350
- Peoria | 406 Elm Street, 61605
- Quincy | 107 N. 3rd Street, 62301
- Rock Island | 500 42nd Street, Suite 1, 61201
- Springfield | 1300 S. 9th Street, 62703
- Burbank | 5608 W. 75th Place, 60459
- Chicago Lincoln Square | 2444 W. Lawrence Ave., 60625
- Chicago Woodlawn | 1515 E. 71st Street, 60619
- Joliet | 250 N. Chicago Street, 60432
- North Aurora | 2 Smoketree Plaza, 60542
- Sterling | 406 Ave C, 61081
You can also visit any IDES local workforce office to drop off a document. Each office is equipped with a dropbox. No appointment is necessary to use a dropbox. Please note that your documents will be date and time stamped when they are retrieved from the box. Dropboxes are checked each business day. Employers should not use the dropboxes.
Read Also: List Of Leaked Social Security Numbers
How To Get Help
- The best way for people with access to the internet to get help from Social Security is online at ssa.gov.
- If you cannot use our website, call our or your local Social Security office for help. For quicker access to a representative at our National 800 Number, try calling early in the day or later in the afternoon . We are also less busy later in the week and later in the month.
- If we are unable to help when you call our 800 number or local office, we will schedule an appointment for you by phone or in-person.
- We may need to schedule you for an appointment at a later date or call you back to provide the service you are requesting.
- The number of people a local office can help in person will depend on local health conditions and other factors.
Someone Filed An Unemployment Claim Using My Information And It Wasnt Me What Can I Do
Date: January 6, 2021
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has identified multiple fraud schemes in which filers submit applications for unemployment insurance benefits using other peoples information. Receiving unemployment benefits could affect the amount of monthly benefits you receive. If you believe you are a victim of this fraud scheme:
- Contact your appropriate State fraud UI hotline to report the fraud. The Department of Labor has phone numbers for each state fraud hotline.
- When you report the fraud, request that they provide you with written documentation that you have reported the alleged fraud. At a minimum, request a case number for your fraud report, and write down the case number, the name of the person you spoke to, and the time and date of your call.
- Retain this information, along with any written confirmations, to ensure you can provide evidence that you reported the fraud if you need it later.
- If you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, and you suspect UI fraud, contact your local Social Security Office immediately.
Read Also: Social Security Office On Terry Parkway
I Receive Social Security Benefits Am I Also Eligible To Receive A Stimulus Check
Yes. The CARES Act included direct payments to most Americans, including Social Security recipients. As long as your adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less , you should be eligible for a $1,200 stimulus check. The amount of the check gradually decreases once your AGI exceeds those thresholds. You won’t be eligible for a stimulus payment once your income hits $99,000 for singles .
How Should A Representative Payee Use A Beneficiarys Economic Impact Payment
Date: March 26, 2021
The EIP belongs to the Social Security or SSI beneficiary. It is not a Social Security or SSI benefit. A representative payee should discuss the EIP with the beneficiary. If the beneficiary wants to use the EIP independently, the representative payee should provide the EIP to the beneficiary. If the beneficiary asks the representative payee for assistance in using the EIP in a specific manner or saving it, the representative payee can provide that assistance outside the role of a representative payee.
Read Also: Social Security Requirements For Disability
Plan Ahead To Avoid Long Lines
AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
We are very pleased that the public will have a variety of options to reach SSA that now include in-person service, says Joel Eskovitz, director of Social Security and Savings at the AARP Public Policy Institute. We recognize that everyone will still need to be patient and that it will take time for services to return to pre-pandemic levels. As always, planning ahead by scheduling an appointment and seeing what documents you may need online can ease this process for the public.
John Waggoner covers all things financial for AARP, from budgeting and taxes to retirement planning and Social Security. Previously he was a reporter for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and USA Todayand has written books on investing and the 2008 financial crisis. Waggoner’s USA Today investing column ran in dozens of newspapers for 25 years.
AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
AARP VALUE &