How do you schedule an appointment with social security

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Social Security beneficiaries soon will have one more way to seek assistance from the government agency as local offices are slated to reopen this week.

Starting Thursday, April 7, the Social Security Administration will restore in-person services, including for people who do not have appointments, acting Social Security Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi announced Monday.

The reopening marks a major milestone for the government agency, which mostly shuttered in-person services after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago.

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During that time, the Social Security Administration pivoted mostly to online and phone services. However, many beneficiaries have complained about long waits on the agency's 800 number. Moreover, government inspections have highlighted the fact that the agency lacks formal procedures for processing mail, which has caused delays for some applications and services.

Even as offices reopen, people should still reach out online or by phone first, according to Kijakazi.

"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. "Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office."

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

The offices tend to be busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week and early in the month, according to Kijakazi. "People may want to plan to visit at other times," she said.

If you visit a Social Security office, you will be expected to comply with masking and physical distancing requirements. The agency also asks that visitors monitor their health for Covid-19 symptoms.

Go online first

The Social Security Administration emphasizes that people who are seeking help or more information should first try the agency's website before calling or making an in-person office visit.

Services are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov. By also creating a My Social Security account, people can access personalized services that enable them to request a replacement Social Security card or SSA-1099 tax form, start or change direct deposits or print or download a benefit verification letter.

When to call

If you choose instead to use the agency's 800 number, you may still experience delays, due to a transition to a more modern phone system that is underway.

However, there are times when you may have more luck getting through, such as before 10 a.m., after 4 p.m. or later in the week. Wait times also tend to be shorter later in the month.

The Social Security Administration in March 2020 stopped face-to-face service with the public at the more than 1,200 field offices nationwide except in “limited, critical situations” due to the covid-19 pandemic. Until offices reopen, which may be finally happening after two years, beneficiaries can conduct business with the agency online, via fax or by phone including critical services.

The Social Security Administration considers the following situations as limited and critical: When a person lacks food or shelter, including utilities or in the event they do not have medical care or coverage and they are looking to reinstate or apply for benefits. Likewise, beneficiaries that cannot receive their benefits payment electronically and are in urgent need of one to cover food, shelter, or medical treatment expenses.

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Scheduling an appointment with your local Social Security office

The agency is aiming to reopen offices for face-to-face services with the public at the end of March. Until then, the Social Security Administration provides a guide on conducting business during the pandemic with the agency.

Those that think they meet the requisites for an in-person appointment can contact their local office to arrange an appointment. The Social Security Administration advises that appointments will depend on staffing as well as the local health and safety conditions. However, if you do not qualify for an in-person appointment you can still contact the agency or use the expanded online services.

Wondering what day of the month you’ll get your Social Security payment? Our payment schedule has not changed. For most Social Security benefits, payment dates are based on your birthdate. We issue SSI payments at the beginning of the month. Learn more: https://t.co/9xfyFXwXr6 pic.twitter.com/kqrnUKgbcL

— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) February 9, 2022

Contact the Social Security Administration toll-free by phone

The Social Security Administration provides toll-free National 800 number service to members of the public. Representatives are available between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday at 1-800-772-1213. The agency advises that wait times are typically shorter later in the day and Wednesdays through Fridays.

Spanish speakers can receive assistance by calling the same toll-free number and informing the pre-recorded system or representative that they would like to talk to a representative in Spanish.

For those who cannot make a call during these times, “recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day and on weekends.”

Deaf and hard of hearing

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call toll-free at 1-800-325-0778 to resolve any benefit issues or get their questions answered. The line is available from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.

International callers

Those who cannot call the National 800 number because they are located outside of the United States can use the following number, 410-965-0160. Callers should be aware that this is not a toll-free number, and they will have to assume any costs associated with the call. Representatives are available at this number on weekdays between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Eastern US Time.

Online Social Security services

Throughout the pandemic, the SSA has expanded the number of services that can be completed online. Before many applicants needed to visit an Social Security office to apply for benefits, now “you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online.”

Additionally, the site allows beneficiaries to “check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card in most states, get an instant proof of income letter, and much more.”

How to get access to a “my Social Security” account?

Setting up an online secure account is quick and easy, which you can do online or in person, once offices reopen if you are unable to get an in-person appointment now. For those who are 18 and older, all you need is a US mailing address, valid email address and a Social Security number.

If you don’t already have the app on your smartphone, you will want to download the app to your phone before you get started.

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