Getting Help In Person
You can apply for any type of benefit, get forms and information, and get help with Social Security issues in person at one of the more than 1,200 SSA field offices.
Social Security offices shut down in March 2020 and for most of the pandemic provided in-person service by appointment only and just for select situations involving urgent benefit issues or Social Security numbers.
While walk-in service resumed April 7, Social Security recommends scheduling your visit in advance. If you visit a field office without an appointment, the SSA says to expect long lines, especially at typically busy times, like Mondays, the day after a federal holiday and during the first week of the month.
A small number of field offices may continue to provide appointment-only service due to construction, inability to accommodate people waiting outside the office or other reasons. Check Social Securitys office closings and emergencies page for an up-to-date list.
Keep in mind
- You must complete a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before entering a Social Security office and wear a mask during your visit.
- You may be asked to wait outside due to limited office space, so plan for the weather.
- If you need help with your visit because of a language barrier, disability or other issue, you may bring one adult for assistance. Otherwise, the SSA asks that you come alone .
When Waiting Isn’t The Best Option
These numbers don’t lie. There truly is a significant cost associated with beginning to receive Social Security benefits before age 70 for many Americans. However, are there cases where waiting to claim benefits isn’t the best financial option? Absolutely.
Probably the best reason to take Social Security at age 62 is if you face serious health issues. Any analysis of when to file for benefits should include life expectancy.
The Social Security Administration’s actuarial tables project that the average male who reaches age 62 will live another 20 years. These tables estimate that the average 62-year-old female will live another 23 years. If your health conditions make it likely that your life expectancy will be shorter than these projections, claiming Social Security retirement benefits early could be a good idea.
Some wealthier individuals don’t need Social Security checks to live a comfortable lifestyle during their retirement years. They could nonetheless begin receiving benefits before their full retirement age and invest the money. It’s possible that their investment returns could be greater than the amount they would have made by waiting to receive Social Security benefits.
Of course, some people are willing to accept the negative financial consequences of claiming Social Security benefits early. They believe that the advantages of retiring early are worth the price that they pay.
Social Security Office Hours Opening & Closing Timings
Although most of the Services are available Online at times you need to go in person to Social Security Office. Take the help of Social Security Office Hours in advance instead of visiting all the way. In fact, you can know everything about where is the nearest Social Security Office, what time does Social Security Office Open. Have an insight into the SSO Holiday Schedule as well as business days Opening and Closing timings.
Recommended Reading: Social Security Office In Portland Oregon
Also Check: Social Security Office Eugene Or
Latest From Direct Express
On Wednesday, Direct Express said account holders expecting funds can check their pending deposits up to two days before the payment date.
The company tweeted Wednesday: âExpecting a payment? You can check pending deposits 1-2 days prior to payment date. Call the number on the back of your card & select Opt 5.â
Expecting a payment? You can check pending deposits 1-2 days prior to payment date. Call the number on the back of your card & select Opt 5.
Direct Express® card
Only current Direct Express cardholders are able to receive their third stimulus payment on their cards. Those who currently donât have a Direct Express card cannot sign up for one now in order to receive their stimulus funds, the company stated on March 23.
Stimulus payments sent to an account that is closed or no longer active âwill be returned and the IRS will reissue the payment,â the company added.
Recommended Reading: Social Security Office Elkhart Indiana
Are Social Security Offices Open On Black Friday
Its rare that a shopping holiday influences office closures outside its industry, but you cant underestimate the power and allure of Black Friday. While shoppers will be in retail heaven on Nov. 25, those requiring the services of the Social Security Administration in person will be out of luck.
Social Security: Why Not Everyone Will Get An 8.7% COLA Increase in 2023
Although it is not listed as one of the 11 federal holidays on which its offices are closed , Social Security offices will not be open on Black Friday.
The only Social Security offices open on Black Friday will be those holding in-person hearings. So, if you have a pending appeal hearing scheduled for Nov. 25 in person, it is still happening.
However, as the SSA notes, its never been easier to do business with them online. Plenty of questions about retirement, disability, SSI and Medicare benefits can be answered online through a clients my Social Security account and on the SSA website and the Social Security Matters blog.
Signing up for my Social Security account will open immediate and convenient access to important information and resources about your retirement benefits, whether you are planning for your future or managing your present benefits.
Don’t Miss: Social Security Office Laredo Tx
Claiming Social Security At 65 You Might Regret That
- newsfeedback@fool.com
The decision to claim Social Security isn’t one to take lightly. It’s important to put a fair amount of thought into your filing before going through with it.
You’re allowed to sign up for Social Security once you turn 62. And there’s no financial benefit to delaying your filing beyond age 70. So for the most part, you’re looking at an eight-year window in which to sign up.
In the middle of that window is age 65. You may be inclined to claim benefits at that point in conjunction with your Medicare enrollment. But if you go that route, you might regret it after the fact for one big reason.
Image source: Getty Images.
How Do I Make An Appointment At My Local Social Security Office
Even in situations where your local office is open during normal business hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
Also Check: Stockton Social Security Office Stockton Ca
What Social Security And Medicare Processing Delays Mean For You
First and foremost, if you are nearing your intended beginning date for Social Security or Medicare, you should apply as early as possible to ensure that your application is processed on time. You can apply for Social Security up to four months prior to your intended beginning date and you can apply for Medicare up to three months before you want your coverage to begin. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can apply as early as August to have Social Security retirement benefits begin in December.
For Medicare, you become eligible at age 65 assuming that you or your spouse paid Medicare tax during your working years. If you are already receiving Social Security at that time, your Medicare benefits are automatic. But, many choose to delay their Social Security retirement benefits to or past their Full Retirement Age. If you have delayed your Social Security retirement benefits past age 65, you could have to apply for Medicare.
If you submit your application at the earliest opportunity, you have a much better chance of having your benefits begin on the intended date. On the other hand, if you wait to file closer to your beginning date, your paperwork may not be processed by your intended start date, which could cause your Social Security payments to be delayed.
How To Find The Social Security Administration Office Nearest To You
If you dont already know the address of your local social security office you can find this information on the Social Security Administrations website at www.ssa.gov
Steps to follow:
- At the top right-hand corner of the website you need to click Menu.
- On the left of the menu you click Contact Us.
- On this page, click on the Find an Office link.
- You then need to type in your zip code.
The zip code you have typed will provide the local address for your social security office, opening hours, telephone number, toll-free number, and driving directions to reach the office.
If you dont wish to file your application for benefits online, or for any reason you would like to speak to an agent, you can call the following number to schedule, alter, or cancel an appointment by: 1-800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
How to Get Help With Your Claim
The SSAs website atwww.ssa.gov provides useful information to help you with your claim.
However, if you are unable to find the help you need from the website, call yourlocal Social Security office or the national 800 number from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time. If you are able to call the National 800 Number between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time, you can expect a quicker response.
You May Like: Social Security New Haven Ct
I Want To Sign Up For Only Part A Or Both Part A & Part B
Once youre eligible to sign up for Medicare , you have 2 options:
Once you sign up , youll get a welcome package with your Medicare card.
What Kind Of Documentation Do I Need To Bring
The documentation that you need to bring along varies depending on what it is you are trying to do. At a minimum, you will need some form of identification. This might be a drivers license, U.S. Passport, or state-issued non-drivers identification card. You might also need your current Social Security card and even your birth certificate. It is usually best to take everything you can even if you are not sure whether you need it. It is better to carry documentation that is not needed than to arrive without the proper documentation.
Don’t Miss: What Do Social Security Cards Look Like
Am I Eligible For Health Care Through Champva
You may only be eligible for health care through CHAMPVA if you dont qualify for TRICARE and at least one of these descriptions is true for you.
At least one of these must be true:
- Youre the spouse or child of a Veteran whos been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office, or
- Youre the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability, or
- Youre the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or
- Youre the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct .
A service-connected disability is a disability that weve concluded was causedor made worseby the Veterans active-duty service. A permanent disability is one thats not expected to improve.
Note: A Veteran whos the qualifying CHAMPVA sponsor for their family may also qualify for the VA health care program based on their own Veteran status. If 2 spouses are both Veterans who qualify as CHAMPVA sponsors for their family, they both may now qualify for CHAMPVA benefits. Each time they need medical care, they may choose to get care through the VA health care program or using their CHAMPVA coverage.
What Do You Think Of Proposals To Permanently Close Ssa Offices
So now Id like to hear from you. Do you think closing most of the Social Security offices is a good idea? Id like to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Dont leave without downloading mySocial Security cheat sheet. Its completely free and packed with information that Ive distilled from thousands of government website pages.
Also, if you havent already, you should join the other 330,000 subscribers on myYouTube channel. If youre subscribed with notifications turned on, youll know as soon as I release a new video. See you there!
Read Also: Corpus Christi Social Security Office
Rhode Island: $250 Rebate Per Child
Rhode Island will send a one-time payment of $250 per child, thanks to a state budget surplus.
Households can receive a payment for up to three dependent children. Those children must have been listed as your dependents on your 2021 federal and state income tax returns.
Taxpayers must earn $100,000 or less to be eligible for the payment.
Child Tax Rebate checks will be issued automatically starting in October 2022. Taxpayers filing their 2021 state tax returns on extension by October 2022 will receive their rebates starting in December.
Recommended Reading: Can I Contact Social Security By Phone
Office Of The Chief Administrative Law Judge :
The Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge manages and administers a nationwide network of 10 regional offices, 163 hearing offices with 3 satellite hearing offices. One central office for the 5 national hearing centers , and 5 national case assistance centers. OCALJ oversees the hearings process, which includes more than 1,500 ALJs who conduct impartial de novo hearings and make decisions on appealed agency determinations. Each year, more than 1,500 ALJs render over 650,000 decisions at the hearing level.
The Chief ALJ is the principal consultant and advisor to OHOs Deputy Commissioner on all matters concerning the hearing process.
Recommended Reading: Does Social Security Count As Income For Extra Help
Recommended Reading: Social Security Office Traverse City Mi
Social Security Office Hours
Hours are mostly standardized across the various Social Security offices nationwide. However it is highly recommended to contact your local office to confirm hours and set an appointment.
Sunday:Closed
Please note that offices close on Wednesdays at noon instead of 4:00 PM. Offices are closed over the weekend. The suggested time to visit the offices is later in the week as they are less busy. Numerous services can be completed online, so please only visit your local office if you must.
All Social Security offices will be closed on the following federal holidays.
Social Security Office Closures Cause Headaches For San Jose Residents
While California lifted most of its coronavirus restrictions in June allowing for increased capacity indoors, Social Security Administration offices remain closed for walk-ins indefinitely.
In March 2020, the administration closed its offices as a preventive measure to stop the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the agency doubled down its online and phone services to support most requests. However, the offices havent been able to efficiently cover demand.
In the 2020-21 fiscal year, COVID measures implemented in field offices slowed down work productivity by 20%, according to a letter to Congress by Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul.
We are working diligently to address these challenges, but the abrupt changes to the way we do our work has caused bottlenecks in certain workloads and service deterioration beyond our control, Saul wrote.
That impact on services is surfacing in San Jose.
Amy, a San Jose resident who asked not to share her last name for privacy reasons, has a 15-year-old son with autism who received supplemental security income for years.
But in January, they stopped receiving SSI without notice.
Amy filed an online appeal and called the national phone line multiple times, only to be told someone from her local office would call her. The call never came.
There are folks who cant understand computers, Fitzgerald said. They need someone in the office, physically, to help them.
Read Also: Nearest Social Security Office To Me
Still A Good Idea To Make An Appointment For In
Social Security field offices, closed since March 17, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened Thursday, April 7.
During the pandemic, in-person appointments at Social Security field offices were limited to critical situations, such as for people who were without food, medicine or shelter. While most offices can help you without an appointment, a few offices are closed or open by appointment only. Find out which offices are closed or open by appointment only, by visiting ssa.gov/emergency. SSA encourages you to make an appointment as this will help them plan for you.
You can do many things online at ssa.gov, such as apply for benefits. Also, with a personal my Social Security account, you can get an instant benefit verification letter or check the status of your application most people can request a replacement Social Security card.
Social Security Offices Will Reopen For First Time Since March 2020
The U.S. Social Security Administrations main offices
Social Security offices have been closed nationwide since March 17, 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will reopen Thursday, April 7.
The Social Security Administration announced the news on Monday, April 4, via a statement from Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi.
Given that many of the people we serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with our union agreements, we are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms, Kijakazi said in the statement. We will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.
Kijakazi recommends people use the SSAs online services at ssa.gov/onlineservices or call toll free at 1-800-772-1213 instead of going into offices, if possible. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
For those wanting to go to the offices, appointments arent required but are strongly encouraged. They can be made online or via the phone number above.
Offices tend to be busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week and early in the month, Kijakazi said.
Michigan has 36 Social Security Administration offices in the following areas.
Recommended Reading: Social Security Office In Hammond Indiana