Social Security Offices Closed to Public Starting Today

Note: Social Security benefits will continue to be paid even though local offices are closed. Beware of scammers who may try to trick you into thinking that your benefits will not be paid, that is not true.

To help slow down the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), as of Tuesday March 17, all local Social Security offices will be closed to the public.

This decision was made to protect the population most at risk – older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions.

If you need assistance during this time, you can contact the SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting the website at ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/

Services available on the website include:

• Applying for retirement and disability benefits
• Applying for Medicare
• Checking the status of an application or appeal
• Requesting a replacement Social Security card
• Printing a benefit verification letter

If you have an in-office appointment scheduled, the SSA will call you to handle the appointment over the phone instead of in-person.

What happens to your Social Security benefits during this time?

If you receive your Social Security benefit by direct deposit, you will continue to receive your monthly benefit as scheduled.

If you receive your benefit by check, you will continue to receive your benefit as scheduled; the United States Postal Service has not stopped mail delivery. However, you might consider signing up for direct deposit. You can find more information at https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/

Related Articles:

Q&A: When will I receive my first Social Security check?
How to apply for Social Security benefits
Q&A: Can I collect Social Security before retirement age?

Note: The Retirement Income Coach is not associated with the Social Security Administration. This is an informational blog on retirement income issues.