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Are Social Security Offices Open In Florida

Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Bradenton Social Security Office

New Social Security office opens in West Palm Beach

The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.

The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.

If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.

When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.

How Do I Make An Appointment With The Melbourne Florida Office

Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Melbourne, Florida office at 866-716-7667 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.

Who Is Eligible For Social Security

The following people are eligible to receive social security benefits:

  • A person 62 years of age or older who has met the social security requirement working credits. This occurs by remaining employed for a steady and reasonable amount of time to pay into the social security fund.
  • A spouse under the age of 62 who has a dependent disabled child living with him or her.
  • High school students from the ages of 18 to 19 as long as they are enrolled full time in high school and have an unmarried status.
  • Any person with a disability that was legally verified before the person reached 22 years of age.
  • Divorced person who is unmarried and who is over 62 years of age may qualify for social security benefits from a previous spouse if they were married for more than a decade.
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    Are Social Security Offices Open

    On March 17, 2020, the Social Security Administration closed all its offices to the public for in-person services due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    For those who were accustomed to receiving face-to-face service to address issues with or questions about their benefits, this has been a massive shift in how they interact with the federal agency.

    More than one year later, the pandemic is officially still ongoing but the strict lockdowns and business closures that we saw last spring have eased considerably. With restaurants and retail stores operating mostly as normal, you might wonder, are Social Security offices open too?

    The questions Im starting to hear now are along the lines of, Are Social Security offices open for any services? But maybe the one we should really be asking is more like, When will Social Security offices open again?

    If you were eager to communicate in person with the SSA, you may need to wait a little while longer still. Social Security offices generally remain closed as of May 2021 but there may be a few circumstances that allow for in-person service.

    Are Social Security Offices Open for Any Services?

    There are a few limited cases where you may be able to schedule a one-on-one meeting at your local Social Security Administration office. These meetings are by appointment only, and appointments are only granted in critical circumstances.

    Appointments are generally granted if:

    Plan Ahead To Avoid Long Lines

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    Like many businesses and organizations, Social Security had turned to options like online and telephone services to conduct its operations during the pandemic. Those options are still available. Nevertheless, people in rural areas and those without access to transportation or technology have struggled for help with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .

    To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call us and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment, said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Securitys acting commissioner, in a statement. Social Security warns that it is currently having problems with its phone systems. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls and long wait times.

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    What Kind Of Documentation Do I Need To Bring

    The documentation you need to bring varies depending on what type of business you need to conduct at your local office. However, there are a few things that you should always bring along to your appointment. First, you need to bring your Social Security card. You will also need to have a valid photo ID, like a driverâs license or passport. In some cases, you might need a marriage certificate or divorce decree if you need to apply for spousal benefits. You might also need a death certificate when applying for survivor benefits. These are the most common documents that you will need at the Social Security office.

    Calendar Your Ssa Appointment

    Making an appointment is simple: call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 7 am and 7 pm. The best time to call is first thing in the morning or in the last hour of the day, from 6-7 pm.

    An SSA employee will give you a call back if you leave a message before the office opens at 9 am. Set up your appointment, and do your best to keep it. The sooner you get there, the faster you can begin your application process. Write the date and time in your calendar and make it a priority.

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    Social Security Administration Services In Florida

    The services offered by the Social Security Administration are pretty consistent from state to state. These services range from simple items like requesting a replacement Social Security card to more complex items like appealing a disability decision. Here are some of the most common services offered at the Social Security offices in Florida.

    • Request a new or replacement Social Security card
    • Request a name change on your Social Security card
    • Review your Social Security statement or your earnings history
    • Get an estimate of your retirement benefits
    • Get a proof of benefits letter
    • Apply for Social Security retirement benefits
    • Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits
    • Apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits
    • Apply for Social Security spousal or survivor benefits
    • Apply for Medicare or get a replacement Medicare card
    • Set up direct deposit information for your Social Security benefits

    How Do I Make An Appointment At A Social Security Office In Florida

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    To make an appointment at a Social Security office in Florida, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Remember that you do not need an appointment to apply for benefits or appeal a disability decision. These tasks can be completed online. You can also contact Social Security at the same number if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

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    Are The Social Security Offices In Florida Open After Hurricane Ian

    Hurricane Ian remained a destructive force in Florida early Thursday after making landfall in the southwestern part of the state on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 28.

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    Although the hurricane has been downgraded to a tropical storm and winds have calmed to about 65 miles an hour from a peak of 150 mph, authorities reported heavy rain and flooding in the Orlando metro area early Thursday, CNN reported. Eight to 12 inches of rain had already fallen across the state, and up to 20 inches in total were expected in some areas. Meanwhile, almost 2.5 million customers were reportedly without power.

    The massive storm caused government agencies, including Social Security offices, to close, cancel or suspend numerous services. Nearly three dozen Social Security field offices were closed as of late Wednesday, according to the Social Security Administration website. As of early Thursday morning, however, the Social Security website stated that all Florida offices were open. To confirm that your local office is open, call 800-772-1213.

    How Do I Make An Appointment With The Bradenton Florida Office

    Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Bradenton, Florida office at 877-803-6316 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.

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    The Agency Has Unveiled A New ‘express Interview’ Process To Help People Apply For Original Or Replacement Social Security Cards And Submit Necessary Proof Of Identity In Person But It Encourages The Public To Continue To Submit Applications Online

    The Social Security Administration closed its field offices to the public in March 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic to protect its employees and the vulnerable elderly and disabled population they serve. Fourteen months later, the agency has unveiled a new express interview process to help individuals apply for original or replacement Social Security cards and submit necessary proof of identity in person.

    But the majority of the public must continue to rely on the agencys revamped and expanded online services to apply for Social Security and Medicare benefits and to access related critical information, such as estimates of future benefits.

    Social Security is a massive federal program that touches nearly every Americans life, whether its paying FICA taxes during their working years to fund benefits for current recipients or collecting disability, retirement or survivor benefits on their own earnings record or that of a spouse or parent.

    Through the end of 2020, nearly 65 million people received disability, retirement, and survivor benefits. As of Dec. 31, approximately 88% of the population age 65 and older were receiving benefits.

    In 2021, the Social Security Administration estimates that about 176 million people will work in Social Security-covered employment or self-employment, representing 94% of the nations workforce. Public employees in a dozen states do not participate in Social Security because theyre covered by their own state-run retirement systems.

    Can I Apply For Medicare Benefits At This Bradenton Office

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    If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by: Visiting your local Social Security office. Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. Before you decide how you want to go about applying for Medicare, you need to understand the different parts of the program and which ones you need. Learn More About Applying for Medicare.

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    Bring A List Of Questions

    It can be intimidating to sit down with a Claims Specialist when you have limited time and are unfamiliar with the SSA application process. For this reason, everyone should bring a list of questions.

    Give some thought to what you dont understand about the disability or retirement process, and write it down. There is no such thing as a dumb question!

    Your goal is to make sure everything gets answered. Some examples of good questions to ask if you are applying for disability:

    • Should I apply for SSI or SSDI? Whats the difference?
    • Where do I apply?
    • How long will it take for me to find out the decision?
    • What medical information will I need?
    • What information do I need to show my work history?
    • What are work credits?
    • What documents will I need to prove my income?
    • What documents will I need to prove my resources?

    What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security

    Documents the Social Security Administration may ask for include:

  • Your Social Security card or a record of your number.
  • Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. The SSA must see the original document, or copies certified by the agency that issued them. The SSA cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies.
  • If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. The SSA must see the original document, or copies certified by the agency that issued them. The SSA cannot accept documents if they have expired. The SSA cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies.
  • A copy of your U.S. military service paper if you served before 1968. A photocopy is acceptable.
  • A copy of your W-2 form and/or self-employment tax return for last year. A photocopy is acceptable.
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    How Can I Check My Social Security Benefits

    You can easily check your Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov through a My Social Security account. This account allows you to do many things through the Social Security Administration. First, you can get information about your existing benefits. You can also estimate future benefits using their benefit calculator tools. You also have access to your earnings history and other valuable information about your Social Security benefits.

    ‘plan Ahead And Do As Much Research As You Can’

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    Getting prompt and reliable service from a program that is funded by workers’ paychecks should be a given, Fiesta said.

    For now, there are steps people who are seeking help may take to try to minimize their wait times.

    “Plan ahead and do as much research as you can on what questions you will have,” Fiesta said.

    It’s been a real tough toxic soup of trying to get service for the public from Social Security.Richard Fiestaexecutive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans

    Before visiting Social Security offices, people should still reach out online or by phone first, Kijakazi urged earlier this year as offices began to reopen.

    “To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can to use our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call us and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment,” Kijakazi said in a statement. “Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office.”

    Also, be aware: If you show up at a Social Security office without an appointment, you may experience delays or longer wait times.

    It may also help to time your visits or phone calls to hours or days when Social Security offices tend to see less traffic. The offices tend to be busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week and early in the month, according to Kijakazi.

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    How Do I Make An Appointment With The Plantation Florida Office

    Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Plantation, Florida office at 866-331-9093 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.

    Social Security Offices Within 100 Miles

    This website is not associated with the Social Security Administration or any government services and is for general information only. Although we attempt to keep the information up to date, some information may be out of date. Please contact your local Social Security Office to obtain information directly from the SSA.

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    Making Your Social Security Office Visit Pain

    In order to ensure that visiting your Social Security Office is a smooth and pain-free experience, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

    • Arriving early can help reduce the time you spend waiting in line. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
    • Even if you arrive early, you may be faced with wait times. Try to stay calm and remember that the office workers are doing their best!
    • Coming prepared with the necessary documents is essential. In many cases you’ll need to bring a birth certificate, passport, proof of United States citizenship or legal US residency, and other documents. If you’re unsure as to what you’ll need, call your Social Security Office in Alabama in advance to double-check!

    Local Social Security Offices

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    There are two local Social Security offices:

    • The West Palm Beach Social Security office is located at 801 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Their phone number is 866-783-7339. Office hours:
    • Monday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Tuesday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Wednesday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Saturday and Sunday: Closed
    • The Boca Raton Social Security office is located at 621 NW 53rd Street, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Their phone number is 877-467-1703. Office Hours:
    • Monday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Tuesday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Wednesday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Saturday and Sunday: Closed

    Most Social Security business can also be handled through Social Securitys toll free telephone as well as the agencys website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Some of the services available on our website include:

    • Apply for Social Security retirement/spouses benefits
    • Apply for disability benefits

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    How Does The Coronavirus Impact Social Security

    The SSA has reopened all local offices for in-person services. The government agency recommends people who need help try online first, then phone, before making an in-person visit.

    If you must visit an office, please be aware:

  • Masks are required for all office visitors and employees. The SSA will provide a mask if you donot have one.
  • Visitor capacity is limited. This means you may need to wait outside, so plan for the weather.
  • The SSA asks that you come alone unless you require help with your visit. If you require help, the SSA staffcan only permit one adult to join you. Children are allowed.
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