Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, recently announced the administration will resume in-person services at local Social Security office beginning April 7 but encouraged people to use online and telephone contact still since they are the most convenient ways of contacting the agency.

“I am pleased to announce that local Social Security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment, on April 7, 2022.

To avoid waiting in line, Kijakazi strongly encourages people, who can, to use their online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call them, and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment. Phone appointments can save a trip to a busy office. He thanks the public for their patience as they work to increase service.

Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at Social Security offices. Be aware that their 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.

Given that many of the people they serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with their union agreements, they are continuing to require certain safety measures, including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. They will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people have used their secure and convenient online services and received help by phone. People who have access to the Internet should first try their online services before calling or visiting an office.

As they transition to a new, modern phone system, some people may experience a busy signal or be unintentionally disconnected from their call. They regret this disruption and recommend people call when their National 800 Number may be less busy, such as before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. local time or later in the week. Like their offices, the waits are generally shorter later in the month.

To learn more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/gethelp/ and www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices/.”

Additional Information

Most Social Security services are available to the public online at www.socialsecurity.gov and with a my Social Security account, or by telephone. And most Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

People who set up their my Social Security account have access to additional personalized services. They can request a replacement Social Security card online if they meet certain requirements. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits.

Many Social Security services are also conveniently available by dialing toll-free, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.