Social Security offices, mostly closed by the pandemic since 2020, will resume in-person services starting Thursday, April 7, 2022, the agency announced.
In-person appointments and walk-in services will be available. The reopening off the agency’s field offices was announced by IRS Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi.
“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,” Kijakazi said.
The agency encourages customers to get an appointment.
“Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices. Be aware that our 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.
“To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services, call us, and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment,” said the commissioner.
To get an appointment, call your local Social Security office.
Starting in March 2020, many of the SSA’s 1,200 local offices closed to the public, with most of the agency’s employees working from home and offering online and phone services. In-person appointments were severely limited.
On Jan. 19 this year, the SSA reached an agreement with worker unions that brings most SSA employees back into the office starting March 30.
The agency urges customers to call or use online services instead of coming to an office.
Most Social Security services are available online 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, the SSA said. People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, on the SSA website.
You can phone the Social Security Agency at 1‑800‑772‑1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1‑800‑325‑0778.